Health Minister urges soft drink limits

Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott is reported in the Sydney Morning Herald today commenting that soft drink is "spoiled water", and uging parents to only provide it to their children for an occasional treat rather than as part of their daily diet.

This position recognises the enormous damage to children's health caused by overconsumption of highly acidic soft drinks. While the remarks were targetted at obesity and diabetes issues primarily, they also support the dental benefits of a more balanced diet - as did the recent Victorian Government announcements about school canteen policies.