https://www.facebook.com/Obliteracy

We humans are prone to odd behaviors. But there are few as absurd as flicking cigarette butts onto the ground, right where we live, work and play. What the butt?

Fact is, cigarette butts aren't disposed of properly 65 percent of the time, which makes them the most frequently littered item on the planet. And they hold the title for #1 littered item on our beaches and waterways here in the US. 

But the worst part is we've all become so used to this visual stain on our environment that we almost accept it. How did tossing these plastic pieces of litter on the ground become such acceptable behavior?

Working with Legacy and Leave No Trace we set out to ignite a cultural shift. A shift that begins with a new brand for cigarette butts. A brand that's poisonous, invasive and has no business being flicked into our public spaces. 

Turns out rebranding butts was as simple as telling the rest of their story. According to Tohmas E. Novotny, aprofessor of global health at San Diego State University, littered butts leach measurable amounts of cadmium, arsenic, lead, nicotine and other toxic chemicals. They’re literally toxic waste.

In fact a single cigarette butt in a liter of water containing minnows is toxic enough to kill half of the fish within 96 hours, according to an experiment Professor Novotny helped conduct. Dead fish don’t lie, they float.

So please share this PSA and help us rebrand cigarette butts as the tiny toxic waste sites that they are. It’s time to rethink butts folks – what they are and where they go. If you don't think it's a problem just dare to look under your feet tomorrow. 

- Contributed by Adam Butler & Ronny Northrop

Thanks to Jake Sullivan for bringing this Alan Watts video to our attention. 

The chairs did it. It makes such perfect sense, but it has been so hard to see. We are all suddenly sitting too much because chairs are everywhere. And it's obviously some sort of chair conspiracy to make us fat.

So, stay safe and have a Coke, but for God's sake don't sit down. Because if you do, that chair you're in will probably magically grow your butt. Chairs have been commonplace since the 1500s so this ability to make us rotund must be a recent development in the chair arsenal. Chairs are so sneaky! For over five hundred years the chair has silently waited for the perfect time to strike. Luring us in with new variations. The couch. The La-Z-boy. The Love-seat. And the dreaded Chair-and-half. We lived in harmony for half of a millenium. No obesity epidemic in site. But the chairs were patient in their plan to make us round.

When our diets became swollen with processed sugars the chairs knew the time was right. They could make us fat and everybody would blame totally innocent things like sugary drinks just because they were contributing the largest portion of calories to the average American diet. It was genius on the part of the chairs. But, unfortunately, for those sinister stools, sofas and thrones, the super-sleuths at Coke sniffed out their diabolical plan and cast the unflinching light of truth on it for all the world to see. This recent Coke documentary is an important piece of film-making that anybody who cares about real answers to health needs to see. 

In all seriousness, as I sit here I have a great idea for a chair. Coke should take a seat. Take a seat on the whole obesity issue and let society work it out without the corporate meddling and confusion. They are understanably incapable of having an unbiased opinion so they should stop standing up for the overconsumption of sugar. Dear Coke, sit this one out. 

http://www.facebook.com/Obliteracy

Corporations have an incredible influence on the world we live in, and that's given them free reign to pollute, collude and mislead us, but advances in technology are rapidly making them accountable not just to shareholders, but to everyone. We have constant access to the truth about the products we use and the ethics of the companies behind them, and big brands are realizing that looking great isn't enough. It's time to actually be great. The Naked Brand is a story about how corporations can help save the planet one small step at a time. It's an introduction to a bright new future where companies tell the truth and work hard to create better products and a better planet. That’s how I met Alex Bogusky. As the founder of Common, one of his chief initiatives is to implement a comprehensive sense of corporate transparency. In fact, his team at Common broadcasts their board meetings live online, so their customers can follow their discussions point by point, and hopefully turn complaints and customer suggestions into a conversation. Alex was an inspiration throughout the entire production process, and you can find out more about the film and Alex’s goal at Common by visiting www.thenakedbrand.com.

One of my favorite examples of transparency in The Naked Brand is Patagonia. They’ve taken a completely innovative approach to transparency, and it’s paying off big-time. On their homepage, they advocate their beloved Common Threads Initiative, a campaign that strongly urges consumers to buy less and reuse their clothing, promoting responsible, sustainable business. In addition, they’ve introduced The Footprint Chronicles, which itemizes the production process of every Patagonia item, providing customers with a clear view of their product and the effect its production has on the environment. In 2011 they even ran an ad in the New York Times that said “Don’t Buy This Jacket”, demonstrating their passionate commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Naked Brand emphasizes three benefits of running a sustainable, transparent business like Patagonia. First, it offers an immense benefit to the health of our planet, the one all of us share and love so dearly. Second, it provides customers with a more honest representation of corporate America and thus creates an opportunity to make better products that accurately reflect the customer. Third, and most importantly, sustainable and transparent business is hugely profitable. Consumers today have access to tons of information, and corporations are no exception. Customers cannot be fooled anymore, so it’s time to be great. The best businesses – those that are honest to consumers, responsible for the planet and relentlessly transparent – will be rewarded with happy customers and tons and tons of money. And ultimately, businesses like that will most certainly make the world a much better place.

Jeff Rosenblum, www.thenakedbrand.com follow me on twitter @JRQuestus  / www.questus.com

It seems like a lot of companies want you to believe their products are made in the USA, without all the fuss of actually making anything here. These attempts are elevating the lowly tag from basic information to high comedy. SNL writers couldn't have done any better. So snap a photo of a lame American-made label. they're not hard to find. The funniest, most outlandish, entries will be rewarded with quality Made In USA products, courtesy of Made Collection.

Enter at http://www.facebook.com/MadeMovementUSA

Fearless Brands is a column dedicated to identifying and celebrating brands that are taking a stand, challenging the status quo, and working to build a better future. In other words, brands acting fearlessly. This is not a sponsored column, and brands do not pay to appear here. Do you know a fearless brand? Send submissions to rcangie@gmail.com.

When it comes to socially responsible brands, Vermont-based Ben & Jerry’s has long been a poster-child. They strive for a sustainable supply chain and have found a way to convert dairy waste into energy. In October 2012, they officially became a certified B-corp. During the recent election season, they spoke out for transparency in corporate political donations.
 
Now, they’re joining the GMO fray, with a recent news release stating the company’s support for GMO labeling.

Who They Are
Founded in 1978 by a couple of hippies in Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s sells premium ice cream with milk and cream sourced from family farmers. Due to their progressive corporate mission and emphasis on using business as a force for peace, sustainability, and social good, the company been held up many times as a model for corporate social responsibility.

Why They’re Fearless
Ben & Jerry’s mission is ambitious and far-reaching. It’s so impressive, in fact, that it’s worth publishing in full:

We have a progressive, nonpartisan social mission that seeks to meet human needs and eliminate injustices in our local, national and international communities by integrating these concerns into our day-to-day business activities. Our focus is on children and families, the environment and sustainable agriculture on family farms.

• Capitalism and the wealth it produces do not create opportunity for everyone equally. We recognize that the gap between the rich and the poor is wider than at any time since the 1920’s. We strive to create economic opportunities for those who have been denied them and to advance new models of economic justice that are sustainable and replicable.
• By definition, the manufacturing of products creates waste. We strive to minimize our negative impact on the environment.
• The growing of food is overly reliant on the use of toxic chemicals and other methods that are unsustainable. We support sustainable and safe methods of food production that reduce environmental degradation, maintain the productivity of the land over time, and support the economic viability of family farms and rural communities.
• We seek and support nonviolent ways to achieve peace and justice. We believe government resources are more productively used in meeting human needs than in building and maintaining weapons systems.
• We strive to show a deep respect for human beings inside and outside our company and for the communities in which they live.

The Lesson for Brands
It’s one thing to write a mission statement connecting your business to something greater than itself. Mission statements make employees and customers feel good and are great for brand perception. It’s another thing entirely, however, to take a stand in the name of that mission, especially when it means investing in things (like reducing waste) with no immediate payout, standing up for consumer rights and transparency (even when you benefit from an unfair status quo) or anything else that might affect short-term profits.

Ben & Jerry’s understands that in the 21st-century, we can no longer treat business as a self-enclosed entity, operating according to rules and frameworks that are somehow separate from the rest of society.

Much has been made of corporate America’s propensity for internalizing the fruits of doing business while socializing the costs. Ben & Jerry’s, by contrast, is dedicated to what they call “linked prosperity”, which essentially recognizes the possibility that business can and should be a powerful force for the betterment of society.

On top of it all, they make pretty good ice cream, too.

-Robin Cangie

Mike Jacobson is a long time food activist. He's pretty much the Ralph Nader of food. If you've ever read the side of a food package or used the term "junk food" you have Mike to thank. He coined the phrase and has been instrumental in food labeling.

Last week Mike and his Center for Science in the Public Interest released a funny yet scathing film that translates the Coca-Cola company's recent attempt to address obesity. You can check out the film above or on Youtube here. 

He's also offered comments and translations of Coke's recent answers to our round of 20 questions. 

Is it true a metal nail disappears in a Coke bottle? If so, what does that mean for your body?

Dr. Applebaum: Stories regarding the disappearance of a metal nail are just that —stories. Such legends continue to spring up and get recycled because they’re just too hard to ignore. You may be interested to know that the acids secreted in your stomach to digest foods are stronger than those found in most foods—including a Coca-Cola. In fact, acids in most foods are neutralized to a large degree by the saliva in the mouth long before they reach the stomach. 

Dr. Jacobson: Agreed. Last year we tested Coke’s power to dissolve. We put extracted teeth into Coke, water, Sprite, etc.  The one in Coke discolored, but never dissolved. 

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Are there really 500 + recipes for Coke based on ingredient availability and pricing? 

Dr. Applebaum: No. Coca-Cola has the same unique secret recipe everywhere in the world. In some countries the sweetener is table sugar. In others, it’s another type of sugar called high fructose corn syrup. Want to know more about Coca-Cola? Check out: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/product-descriptions#coca-cola

Dr. Jacobson: Judging from tests we conducted last year, except in California, Coca-Cola was made with caramel coloring that had high levels of the carcinogen 4-methylimidazole.

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Do you foresee Coca-Cola labeling their products in North America the same way they are required to in the EU? 

Dr. Applebaum: The Coca-Cola Company is committed to providing factual, meaningful and understandable nutrition information about all our products. We believe in the importance and power of informed choice and we label our products in line with government regulations in the countries where they are sold, often going beyond what is required by regulation. 

In September 2009, we were the first beverage company to make a global commitment to place front-of-pack calorie information on nearly all of our packages by the end of 2011. And we met that target! Front-of-pack calorie labeling makes it easier for consumers to identify the amount of calories in our products. http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/ourcompany/hal_policy_nutritional_labeling.html.

Dr. Jacobson:  The label on a can of British Coke is quite similar to the U.S. label, except that it has those pretty-useless GDA graphics. “Informed choice”?  Coke spends billions of dollars a year promoting its sugary drinks, but never reminds consumers that drinking too much of them promotes obesity, diabetes, heart disease, gout, and tooth decay.

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Coke gets knocked a lot for being unhealthy. Any unheard of benefits to drinking it? Would make pleasure less guilty. 

Dr. Applebaum: My personal point of view, there are no unhealthy foods or beverages—only unhealthy diets. I realize not all agree. To that end, my personal view is there’s nothing “unhealthy” about a Coke. A Coke is refreshing, it hydrates and it tastes good. Yes it has calories—clearly labeled—and all of us need to make sure we are mindful about managing our calories. As with the diet in total—it’s about the how, how much and how often. The calories in a Coke come from carbs (sugars), which are essential for life. But carbs as we know are a source of calories, so it is important to remember that all calories count when it comes to a healthy weight. 

As far as ‘pleasure with less guilt’ do not hesitate to try our diet beverages—Coke Zero has a great Coca-Cola taste, but no calories. You can also enjoy a smaller portion of Coke—our 7.5 oz. can is only 90 calories. As for me, no guilt—but I also am mindful of my total caloric intake. To that end (and to borrow from a favorite Coca-Cola tagline, the “pause that refreshes”)—I have a ‘refreshing pause’ every afternoon around 3 or 4 pm. 

Dr. Jacobson: She forgot to mention that a Coke also has about 16 teaspoons of sugars from high-fructose corn syrup in every 20-oz. bottle.

In NYC Coke says that consumers should have the right to decide for themselves on portion. In California you fought consumer labeling of GMO. Why? 

Dr. Applebaum: I refer the tweeter to the response to GMO and Prop 37 in the first question. Prop 37 was not a referendum on the right to decide or choose GMO-free products—they already can choose to purchase such foods/beverages by looking for organic or GMO-free labels. Since this is an attribute some consumers actively look for, companies readily proclaim/label same when they can meet the criteria for organic and/or GMO-free. To that end, it’s a good bet that products that are not labeled GMO-free, contain an ingredient that is derived via biotechnology (although frequently in a very distant way). Regardless of whether the product contain or does not contain GMO—all are safe—and that needs to emphasized at every opportunity so the public does not needlessly worry about consuming products that contain a GMO ingredient—especially moms, dads and care givers who may not be able to buy organic or GMO-free. In short, we believe in consumer choice and thus GMO-free products are labeled to make this clear to consumers and to guide their decisions if they so choose. 

Dr. Jacobson: One amusing thing about her defensiveness is that the high-fructose corn syrup and sugar used in Coke products are such pure carbohydrates that they don’t contain any genetically engineered DNA or protein. Coke could honestly say that their products are GMO-free.

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Why is Coke in a glass bottle so darn good? 

Dr. Applebaum: Coffee in a china cup, a frosty mug for beer, ice cream in a cone, Coke in a glass bottle. Some things simply have no explanation as to why they “belong” together. They just do! “Check out this survey on our website to see if others agree with you ϑ http://www.coca-colacompany.com/debates/fountain-vs-bottle-best-way-to-order-a-soft-drink

Dr. Jacobson: Speaking of websites - people would learn more by checking out our website that provides some honest information about the health impact of soft drinks.

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Do soft drink companies have a responsibility re: U.S. obesity epidemic or is it just a matter of personal individual responsibility? 

Dr. Applebaum: It’s both. 

Obesity is a serious and complex issue and there are no simple answers. Effective solutions need to come from everyone working together – you, me, governments, businesses, health professionals and individuals.

Coca-Cola takes its responsibility in this area very seriously. From our broad portfolio of beverages that offer consumers options to meet individual needs, to our innovations in the use of low- and no-calories sweeteners, the introductions of smaller portion-size packaging, our transparent ingredient and nutrition information, our Global Responsible Marketing Policy and our support for physical activity and nutrition education programs all over the world, we are constantly striving to do our part to help stem the tide of obesity. 

But consumers also have a responsibility to make the right choices for themselves and their families and to do that they need the necessary information, a firm understanding of what it takes to achieve active, healthy lifestyles, and the opportunities to make these choices. This includes things such as understanding the concept of calories, energy balance, the importance and benefits of regular physical activity and the basics for assembling a sensible balanced diet. 

Dr. Jacobson: She says there are no simple answers but actually, there are some simple answers, such as not drinking regular soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit drinks, and sports drinks, all of which are loaded with calories, along with a flock of questionable food additives (caffeine, artificial caramel coloring, food dyes, and phosphoric acid).

When they speak of responsibility it's good to remember that Coke’s primary responsibility is to its stockholders, and it certainly takes that very seriously.

And the money they put into "nutrition education" is dwafed by the billions of dollars behind the marketing of sugar drinks.

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How does the Coca-Cola Company (and Dr. Applebaum personally) align, express and transmit values & #ethics to its staff and the public? 

Dr. Applebaum: We are focused on positively impacting all of the communities we serve. Because of this, we demand integrity in every aspect of our business. Transparency, authenticity and accountability are our most closely held values. Our Company’s Code of Business Conduct guides our expectation of accountability, honesty and integrity from our business and from our employees. All Company associates are required to follow the Code in the workplace and in the community. Read about our Code of Business Conduct in our 2011/2012 Sustainability Report: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/sustainabilityreport/downloads/2012-sustainability-report.pdf 

For me personally, my values, my beliefs and faith guide what I do. My integrity, my credibility, my reputation are very important to me and I would never do anything to jeopardize them. To that end, I strive to ‘walk the talk’, ‘practice what I preach’ and avoid, at all cost, being a hypocrite and compromising my values and ethics. Lord knows I’m not perfect, and I make that clear, but I do my best to be honest and real—in everything I do—both at work and in my personal life. 

Dr. Jacobson: "impacting communities they serve" ...including giving money to nonprofit civic and health groups, which has the benefit of discouraging them from criticizing Coca-Cola Co. (witness the NY State NAACP’s recent attack on New York City’s regulation to limit the size of Cokes and other soft drinks sold at restaurants, stadiums, and other venues.

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What role can Coke play in moving people to smaller portion sizes? 

Dr. Applebaum: We know people want a wide variety of beverages and packages to meet their needs for refreshment, enjoyment, nutrition and hydration. In certain markets, we are offering more variety in our packaging to help consumers manage their calorie intake and energy balance. In 2011, we began offering more beverages in the U.S. in our 7.5-fl. oz. mini-cans, which provide 0-100 calories depending on the beverage. Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Fanta, Barq’s and Seagram’s Ginger Ale are now all available in mini-cans. Some products are also available in mini-cans in Australia, Canada, Korea and Thailand. In more than 125 countries, we also offer glass bottles of many of our sparkling beverages in bottles that are 250 ml (8 oz.) or less. For more info-- http://www.coca-colacompany.com/sustainabilityreport/downloads/2012-sustainability-report.pdf 

Dr. Jacobson: It's worth noting that cans of Coke are already seven percent smaller in Europe and the Middle East (and some other countries) than the United States. 

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Given the obesity issue, why hasn't Coke publicly set goals for increasing sales of water and low calorie bevs and reducing sales of high cal drinks? 

Dr. Applebaum: In the U.S. and around the world, Coca-Cola is at the forefront of efforts to help reduce the incidence of obesity. We believe to achieve successful outcomes, not one sector can do it alone. To succeed we need to work across the ‘Golden Triangle’—business, government and civil society. Collaborations and partnerships—engagement and working together—are the key, the catalysts for positive change. Just a few of our actions - 

• The Healthy Weight Commitment in the U.S., where we’ve joined a broad coalition of stakeholders, focused on bringing a common-sense approach to helping reduce obesity by 2015. A key goal for its members is to collectively reduce 1.5 trillion calories from America’s diet. Read more at http://www.healthyweightcommit.org/ 
• Our policy and commitment to place calories on the front of nearly all of our packages, globally, providing consumers with fact-based information from which they can make beverages choice to meet individual need: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/policy-on-nutrition-labeling-and-nutrition-information 

• Exercise is Medicine^TM,, where we are a founding partner of this program of the American College of Sports Medicine. EIM calls upon physicians to record physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits and to advise able patients to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity and 10 minutes of stretching and light muscle training five days a week. 
• Also the founding member of EPODE Int’l Network—its mission--to reduce childhood obesity prevalence through sustainable strategies based on Community Based Programs (CBPs). http://www.epode-international-network.com/ 
• Our support of more than 280 physical activity and nutrition education programs in over 115 countries around the world. 

When it comes to low- and no-calorie beverages, we work very hard to bring consumers choices in beverages that can help manage calories. So thank you for that important call out, because beverages are the only food (except for gum) that can give you great taste, with and without calories. Read more about our efforts in Our Position on Obesity and Well-being Facts: http://d1lwft0f0qzya1.cloudfront.net/9b/62/c661da674cc690db3ccad9195639/obesity-position-statement.pdf

Dr. Jacobson: Actually, that’s not quite true.  A company like Coke could reduce the incidence of Coke by not advertising its high-calorie drinks or by charging more for them.

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Even the FDA has admitted that dyes trigger hyperactivity and other problems in children. Why won't Coke eliminate dyes from all its products?

Dr. Applebaum: The FDA has not stated that dyes trigger hyperactivity. Here’s what they said, “Although this hypothesis was popularized in the 1970's, results from studies on this issue either have been inconclusive, inconsistent, or difficult to interpret due to inadequacies in study design.” In addition, FDA evaluated recent European research that alleges a link between food colors and hyperactivity and found “that the study does not substantiate a link between the color additives that were tested and behavioral effects.” For more information: http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucm094211.htm#qahyper

Dr. Jacobson: This, actually, is not true. In March 2011 the FDA acknowledged that dyes trigger hyperactivity in some children: "Based on our review of the data from the published literature, FDA concludes that a causal relationship between exposure to color additives and hyperactivity in children in the general population has not been established.  For certain susceptible children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and other problem behaviors, however, the data suggest that their condition may be exacerbated by exposure to a number of substances in food, including, but not limited to, synthetic color additives.  Findings from relevant clinical trials indicate that the effects on their behavior appear to be due to a unique intolerance to these substances and not to any inherent neurotoxic properties."”

The study was convincing enough to persuade the British government to urge food manufacturers to stop using the half-dozen dyes used in the study.  Also, the study was done on average kids, not ones with hyperactivity or ADHD.  Ms. Applebaum shouldn’t pretend that the study disproved the link between dyes and behavioral problems in children with hyperactivity.

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How much coke a day should a teenager drink…if we want to prevent overweight in view of sedentarism?

Dr. Applebaum: When it comes to teens, energy balance – the balance between calories in from foods and beverages and calories out from physical activity - is what is most important along with a balanced, sensible and varied diet to support normal growth and development. According to USDA food patterns, active teenagers, particularly males, have the highest energy needs. Thus, an active teenager may be able to meet nutrient needs and have several hundred calories that can come from other foods and beverages –what are called “discretionary” calories—to meet total energy/calorie needs. If a teen is sedentary, overall food choices, along with recommendations to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors (screen time, television, etc.), will most benefit overall health and development and promote weight management. This also will help establish life-long healthful lifestyle habits. For more information, see Appendices 6 and 7 of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, pages 78-79. Discretionary calories from solid fats and added sugars for active teen boys can be about 600 calories. That’s room enough for two, 20 fl. oz. bottles of Coca-Cola, and maybe a cookie. http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm

And yes, I let my 16-year-old son—soon to be 17--drink Coke and our other beverages (another of his favorites is Honest Tea)—but as part of a healthy diet. And I also make sure he gets plenty of physical activity and sleep—for his health—body, mind and spirit—and my sanity ϑ 

Dr. Jacobson: 600 calories is supposed to include all the extra fats and sugars that that active male would consume.  Assuming that half of those calories are allotted to sugar, an active boy could drink one 20-oz. bottle. But most boys are not active; assuming even that they are “moderately active,” that would permit only 400 calories for fat/sugar, or 200 calories for sugar, or one can of Coke plus “maybe a cookie”—but no more added sugars all day from ice cream, breakfast cereals, baked goods, and all the rest. 

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Caramel coloring contains cancer-causing 4-MEI and California forced a change. When will the less contaminated product be available everywhere? 

Dr. Applebaum: There is no evidence from studies involving humans that 4-MEI causes cancer. Scientific experts, like the European Food Safety Authority, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Health Canada, who have looked at the totality of the evidence have said that consumers are not at risk from the small amounts of 4-MEI in caramel coloring. The change in California was caused by a “right to know” law where the merits for listing 4-MEI were not reviewed by independent scientists as requested by the beverage industry. 

The safety of our beverages is demonstrated by the fact that no regulatory agency around the world has either taken them off the market or has requested that we change the caramel we use. Nevertheless in order to avoid putting an unwarranted warning label on our products in California, we asked our caramel color suppliers to determine how to reduce the levels of 4-MEI in the caramel color while maintaining the characteristics of caramel. 

Products currently available in California are made with the new process caramel. In order to ensure that consumers continue to be able to enjoy the same great taste of our products everywhere, products with the new caramel color will be rolled out nationally as the supply of new process caramel becomes more available. 

But to be perfectly clear—if our beverages were unsafe—they wouldn’t be able to be sold—not in CA or anywhere. To repeat the CA law (Prop 65) is about labeling—not about safety. 

Dr. Jacobson: This answer is total malarkey.  There’s general agreement among cancer scientists at the U.S. National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, that 4-MEI is a carcinogen.  The state of California’s scientists, who are independent of Coke’s dollars, concluded that it causes an excessive cancer risk in humans.  The FDA, as usual, has been asleep at the wheel. True…and shame on those agencies.  California required a warning label, but Coke (and Pepsi) switched to a safer caramel coloring. I hope that Coca-Cola makes that change for the rest of the world (more Coke is sold outside than inside the United States).

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Soda is the #1 source of calories in the US diet. Caffeine is an addictive stimulant added to bevs that millions of children consume. Why not just eliminate caffeine? 

Dr. Applebaum: Let me take each in order, beginning first with calories. Actually, NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data 2001-2002 to 2009-2010 show that grain-mixtures (p)izza, tacos, burritos, and other foods that combine numerous ingredients, but are predominantly grains are the number one source of calories in the U.S. diet and have remained so over the last 10 years. 

Based on analyses of usual dietary intakes conducted by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened water beverages (including those with added nutrients), and fruit drinks combined comprise on average nearly 7% of all calories consumed by Americans – which means that 93% of our calories come from other sources. (USDA and DHHS, 2010) However, there are age, gender and ethnic groups in the population that have higher or lower intakes of calories from beverages.

Regardless, it is important to remember that all foods and beverages have the potential of contributing excess calories to the diet—thus consumers must be mindful of the total amount of calories they consume.

And now the 2^nd part of your question-- caffeine. The Coca-Cola Company has used caffeine as a safe ingredient for more than 126 years. And as it relates to addiction…foods and beverages aren’t drugs. The term “addiction” is often used loosely in the press, online and in everyday conversations in relationship to good tasting foods and beverages that people like to consume on a frequent basis. “Substance dependence” is the term used by many experts in the field to describe true addictions. 

While caffeine is known to be a mild stimulant, both Health Canada and the U.S. FDA have found levels up to 400 mg per day to be safe for healthy adults. Many health professionals consider 300-400 mg per day to be a moderate level of consumption for an adult (the approximate amount in three or four cups of coffee or seven to nine cans of caffeinated sparkling beverage). 

Lastly, we label caffeine levels on our products (in the U.S. and where permitted elsewhere in the world) and we also have a wide variety of caffeine-free beverages for those who do not want to consume caffeine or give to their children. Why? Because we believe in consumer choice—some folks want caffeine, some don’t. Choice. 

Dr. Jacobson: To be “perfectly clear,” the law concerns the labeling of unsafe products. People can decide whether it’s fair to lump pizzas, tacos, and all those other foods together.  The fact is, Americans (and Mexicans and others) consume such huge amounts of sugary drinks that they suffer a range of health consequences (not that pizza and tacos are health foods).

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What are the human health benefits of HFCS over cane sugar? 

Dr. Applebaum: In short, there is no difference from a benefit perspective between HFCS vs. cane sugar—they’re essentially the same. Both are carbohydrates, providing 4 calories per gram with similar proportions of glucose and fructose. When it comes to satisfying your appetite, HFCS is equivalent to cane sugar. In fact, two 2007 studies comparing sparkling beverages sweetened with HFCS or sugar showed no difference in hunger, satiety or short-term energy intake (Melanson 2007; Monsivais 2007). For more information, check The Coca-Cola Company Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness: http://www.beverageinstitute.org/en_US/pages/article-science-hfcs.html, or the Corn Refiners Association: http://sweetsurprise.com/hfcs-faqs?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=what%20is%20high%20fructose%20corn%20syrup&utm_campaign=Facts&gclid=CPvQ__6J_7MCFQSqnQodNWYAHA

Dr. Jacobson: No different…but beverages do not promote satiety (are not as filling) as foods, which is one major reason why soft drinks promote obesity.

A few months ago, FearLess, COMMON, The Butler Bros, Jason Mraz and the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) launched a joint film production and site called therealbears.org. The film followed a family of Soda-loving Polar Bears that winds up having the same issues with sugary drinks that many of us in real life are having: obesity, diabetes, and the complications that come with them.

The Coca-Cola company was quick to reach out to me in an effort to get me up to speed "on all the good work they are doing." At the time I had no idea they were about to attempt to enter the conversation on obesity. You can see their film here and you can see a translation of the corp. speak here.

A lunch was set up with their lead scientist, Dr. Rhona Applebaum. I showed up on time but she was early and had already taken a seat in the back. It took me a while to find her sittling at a tiny tabel by the window. My first impression was that Dr. Applebaum is perfectly cast for her role. She is a smart, articulate, thin, attractive and immaculately put together middle-aged woman who is in control of her emotions at all times. We ordered our lunch and began the search for common ground. I wish I could remember what she ordered to drink but I don't. It was either water or a Diet Coke. 

I don't think we found much to agree on in terms of GMOs, HFCS, Obesity or anything else. The conversation stayed friendly but it never got very real. There was a brief moment when I did get the sense that Dr. Applebaum felt that they had fought too much against the NYC limits on portion sizes. But that was only my sense and she never actually voiced those words. She also offered several introductions to the CEOs at some of the more healthy brands they had acquired. That was incredibly nice but I didn't pursue this line of conversation because it made me a bit uncomfortable. It felt like a carrot being dangled but perhaps it was nothing more than a nice gesture. 

Via twitter I collected a bunch of questions that people wanted to ask of Coke and during lunch Rhona agreed to answer them. Some are easy and silly. Others are more to the point. Below are the questions and answers unedited. 

I want to thank FearLess readers for their questions and Dr. Applebaum for her time and willingness to answer all our questions. It's tempting to dissect some of the answers but getting the dialog going it more important right now. So it's Q and A time!

Make your own conclusion.

1: Why did Coke fund the advertising to defeat Prop37? 

Along with many other sectors, including the food and beverage sector, we supported actions to defeat Prop 37.  I won’t run down the concerns Prop 37 presented—they can be found at this website http://www.noprop37.com/. But as someone who has been engaged in the labeling issue for over two decades, and to keep this answer short, here are two reasons:   

1. The Proposition was unnecessary. For those who do not want GMO ingredients, labeling such as ‘organic’ and ‘contains no GMO’ is already available, as are a number of web sites identifying what foods/bevs do not contain GMO; and  
2. We believe such information did not constitute material information or information of consequence ( e.g., it has no bearing on safety). The best example I can give is the required labeling for the presence of allergens. We label the presence of allergens to make sure allergic individuals have the necessary information to avoid these products vs. labeling the overwhelming majority of packaged food products that contain no allergens. GMO as a process does not present a safety risk, thus to require it to be labeled we believed does nothing to further the interest of public health.   

2: Is it true a metal nail disappears in a Coke bottle? If so, what does that mean for your body?

Stories regarding the disappearance of a metal nail are just that —stories.  Such legends continue to spring up and get recycled because they’re just too hard to ignore. You may be interested to know that the acids secreted in your stomach to digest foods are stronger than those found in most foods—including a Coca-Cola. In fact, acids in most foods are neutralized to a large degree by the saliva in the mouth long before they reach the stomach. 

3: Are there really 500 + recipes for Coke based on ingredient availability and pricing?  

No. Coca-Cola has the same unique secret recipe everywhere in the world.   In some countries the sweetener is table sugar.  In others, it’s another type of sugar called high fructose corn syrup.  Want to know more about Coca-Cola? Check out: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/product-descriptions#coca-cola

4: Do you foresee Coca-Cola labeling their products in North America the same way they are required to in the EU? 

The Coca-Cola Company is committed to providing factual, meaningful and understandable nutrition information about all our products. We believe in the importance and power of informed choice and we label our products in line with government regulations in the countries where they are sold, often going beyond what is required by regulation. 

In September 2009, we were the first beverage company to make a global commitment to place front-of-pack calorie information on nearly all of our packages by the end of 2011. And we met that target! Front-of-pack calorie labeling makes it easier for consumers to identify the amount of calories in our products.  http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/ourcompany/hal_policy_nutritional_labeling.html.

5: Does she have kids and if so, at what age was she comfortable with them drinking soda + how much? 

Yes, I have a 16 year old and I’ve allowed him to enjoy our beverages—including Coke since he was small, but my husband and I were the ones who determined how, how much  and how often—and of course when.    

Now that he’s a teenager, he continues to enjoy our beverages, but I make sure his beverage intake—and his diet in total—is sensible, varied, and balanced, that he’s getting his nutritional needs met and that he exercises regularly.  That’s my job as his Mom to give him the basics on the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle.   

When it comes to children, we respect the rights of parents and care givers to choose what’s best for their children—and we want them to have the necessary information and understanding to make informed choices.  That’s why we don’t market to kids under 12 and why we joined other beverage companies in the U.S. to remove full calorie beverages from schools.  For more information: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/responsible-marketing; http://www.ameribev.org/nutrition--science/school-beverage-guidelines/

By the way, when it comes to raising children, the best quote that summarizes my philosophy is from Margaret Mead--“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”  I have and continue to apply this philosophy to my son—it’s the best gift and preparation I can give him—along with lots of love.  

6: Coke gets knocked a lot for being unhealthy. Any unheard of benefits to drinking it? Would make pleasure less guilty. 

My personal point of view, there are no unhealthy foods or beverages—only unhealthy diets.  I realize not all agree.  To that end, my personal view is there’s nothing “unhealthy” about a Coke.  A Coke is refreshing, it hydrates and it tastes good.  Yes it has calories—clearly labeled—and all of us need to make sure we are mindful about managing our calories.  As with the diet in total—it’s about the how, how much and how often.  The calories in a Coke come from carbs (sugars), which are essential for life.  But carbs as we know are a source of calories, so it is important to remember that all calories count when it comes to a healthy weight. 

As far as ‘pleasure with less guilt’ do not hesitate to try our diet beverages—Coke Zero has a great Coca-Cola taste, but no calories. You can also enjoy a smaller portion of Coke—our 7.5 oz. can is only 90 calories. As for me, no guilt—but I also am mindful of my total caloric intake.  To that end (and to borrow from a favorite Coca-Cola tagline, the “pause that refreshes”)—I have a ‘refreshing pause’ every afternoon around 3 or 4 pm.  

7: In NYC Coke says that consumers should have the right to decide for themselves on portion. In California you fought consumer labeling of GMO. Why? 

I refer the tweeter to the response to GMO and Prop 37 in the first question.  Prop 37 was not a referendum on the right to decide or choose GMO-free products—they already can choose to purchase such foods/beverages by looking for organic or GMO-free labels.  Since this is an attribute some consumers actively look for, companies readily proclaim/label same when they can meet the criteria for organic and/or GMO-free.  To that end, it’s a good bet that products that are not labeled GMO-free, contain an ingredient that is derived via biotechnology (although frequently in a very distant way).  Regardless of whether the product contain or does not contain GMO—all are safe—and that needs to emphasized at every opportunity so the public does not needlessly worry about consuming products that contain a GMO  ingredient—especially moms, dads and care givers who may not be able to buy organic or GMO-free.  In short, we believe in consumer choice and thus GMO-free products are labeled to make this clear to consumers and to guide their decisions if they so choose.   

8: Why is Coke in a glass bottle so darn good? 

Coffee in a china cup, a frosty mug for beer, ice cream in a cone, Coke in a glass bottle.  Some things simply have no explanation as to why they “belong” together.  They just do!  “Check out this survey on our website to see if others agree with you  http://www.coca-colacompany.com/debates/fountain-vs-bottle-best-way-to-order-a-soft-drink

9: Do soft drink companies have a responsibility re: U.S. obesity epidemic or is it just a matter of personal individual responsibility? 

It’s both.  

Obesity is a serious and complex issue and there are no simple answers.  Effective solutions need to come from everyone working together – you, me, governments, businesses, health professionals and individuals.

Coca-Cola takes its responsibility in this area very seriously.  From our broad portfolio of beverages that offer consumers options to meet individual needs, to our innovations in the use of low- and no-calories sweeteners, the introductions of smaller portion-size packaging, our transparent ingredient and nutrition information, our Global Responsible Marketing Policy and our support for physical activity and nutrition education programs all over the world, we are constantly striving to do our part to help stem the tide of obesity. 

But consumers also have a responsibility to make the right choices for themselves and their families and to do that they need the necessary information, a firm understanding of what it takes to achieve active, healthy lifestyles, and the opportunities to make these choices.  This includes things such as understanding the concept of calories, energy balance, the importance and benefits of regular physical activity and the basics for assembling a sensible balanced diet. 

10: How does the Coca-Cola Company (and Dr. Applebaum personally) align, express and transmit values & #ethics to its staff and the public? 

We are focused on positively impacting all of the communities we serve. Because of this, we demand integrity in every aspect of our business. Transparency, authenticity and accountability are our most closely held values. Our Company’s Code of Business Conduct guides our expectation of accountability, honesty and integrity from our business and from our employees. All Company associates are required to follow the Code in the workplace and in the community. Read about our Code of Business Conduct in our 2011/2012 Sustainability Report: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/sustainabilityreport/downloads/2012-sustainability-report.pdf 

For me personally, my values, my beliefs and faith guide what I do. My integrity, my credibility, my reputation are very important to me and I would never do anything to jeopardize them.  To that end, I strive to ‘walk the talk’, ‘practice what I preach’ and avoid, at all cost, being a hypocrite and compromising my values and ethics.  Lord knows I’m not perfect, and I make that clear, but I do my best to be honest and real—in everything I do—both at work and in my personal life.     

11: Why can’t they make a cola with maybe 10g of cane sugar instead of a mound of HFCS? *NO* sugar substitutes. 

 We are dedicated to providing you with the same great-tasting, refreshing, high-quality products that we have been serving for 126 years. As people’s tastes and needs change we offer products that change right along with them.  We believe in providing you with a choice in beverages and are always looking for ways to meet consumer demand. Currently we have 23 different “Coca-Cola trademark products” including Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Caffeine-Free Coca-Cola, Caffeine-Free Diet Coke and Cherry Coke. Check out our full product list: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/all. 

I know this isn’t your question, but I feel I need to say that all of our ingredients, including sugar, HFCS and low- and no-calorie sweeteners are safe.  I also understand you as an individual have your preferences.  With that—I will share your request, but to be honest, not sure if 10 g. of sugar in a 12 oz. portion of Coke will meet your expectations.  Will test it for you and get back.  

12: What role can Coke play in moving people to smaller portion sizes? 

We know people want a wide variety of beverages and packages to meet their needs for refreshment, enjoyment, nutrition and hydration. In certain markets, we are offering more variety in our packaging to help consumers manage their calorie intake and energy balance.  In 2011, we began offering more beverages in the U.S. in our 7.5-fl. oz. mini-cans, which provide 0-100 calories depending on the beverage. Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Fanta, Barq’s and Seagram’s Ginger Ale are now all available in mini-cans. Some products are also available in mini-cans in Australia, Canada, Korea and Thailand.  In more than 125 countries, we also offer glass bottles of many of our sparkling beverages in bottles that are 250 ml (8 oz.) or less.  For more info-- http://www.coca-colacompany.com/sustainabilityreport/downloads/2012-sustainability-report.pdf 

13. Given the obesity issue, why hasn't Coke publicly set goals for increasing sales of water and low calorie bevs and reducing sales of high cal drinks?  

In the U.S. and around the world, Coca-Cola is at the forefront of efforts to help reduce the incidence of obesity.  We believe to achieve successful outcomes, not one sector can do it alone.  To succeed we need to work across the ‘Golden Triangle’—business, government and civil society.  Collaborations and partnerships—engagement and working together—are the key, the catalysts for positive change.  Just a few of our actions - 

• The Healthy Weight Commitment in the U.S., where we’ve joined a broad coalition of stakeholders, focused on bringing a common-sense approach to helping reduce obesity by 2015.  A key goal for its members is to collectively reduce 1.5 trillion calories from America’s diet. Read more at http://www.healthyweightcommit.org/
• Our policy and commitment to place calories on the front of nearly all of our packages, globally, providing consumers with fact-based information from which they can make beverages choice to meet individual need: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/policy-on-nutrition-labeling-and-nutrition-information

• Exercise is Medicine^TM,, where we are a founding partner of this program of the American College of Sports Medicine. EIM calls upon physicians to record physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits and to advise able patients to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity and 10 minutes of stretching and light muscle training five days a week.
• Also the founding member of EPODE Int’l Network—its mission--to reduce childhood obesity prevalence through sustainable strategies based on Community Based Programs (CBPs). http://www.epode-international-network.com/
• Our support of more than 280 physical activity and nutrition education programs in over 115 countries around the world. 

When it comes to low- and no-calorie beverages, we work very hard to bring consumers choices in beverages that can help manage calories.  So thank you for that important call out, because beverages are the only food (except for gum) that can give you great taste, with and without calories.  Read more about our efforts in Our Position on Obesity and Well-being Facts: http://d1lwft0f0qzya1.cloudfront.net/9b/62/c661da674cc690db3ccad9195639/obesity-position-statement.pdf

14: Even the FDA has admitted that dyes trigger hyperactivity and other problems in children.  Why won't Coke eliminate dyes from all its products?

The FDA has not stated that dyes trigger hyperactivity.   Here’s what they said,  “Although this hypothesis was popularized in the 1970's, results from studies on this issue either have been inconclusive, inconsistent, or difficult to interpret due to inadequacies in study design.” In addition, FDA evaluated recent European research that alleges a link between food colors and hyperactivity and found “that the study does not substantiate a link between the color additives that were tested and behavioral effects.” For more information: http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucm094211.htm#qahyper

15: How much coke a day should a teenager drink…if we want to prevent overweight in view of sedentarism?

When it comes to teens, energy balance – the balance between calories in from foods and beverages and calories out from physical activity - is what is most important along with a balanced, sensible and varied diet to support normal growth and development.  According to USDA food patterns, active teenagers, particularly males, have the highest energy needs.  Thus, an active teenager may be able to meet nutrient needs and have several hundred calories that can come from other foods and beverages –what are called “discretionary” calories—to meet total energy/calorie needs.  If a teen is sedentary, overall food choices, along with recommendations to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors (screen time, television, etc.), will most benefit overall health and development and promote weight management.  This also will help establish life-long healthful lifestyle habits. For more information, see Appendices 6 and 7 of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, pages 78-79. Discretionary calories from solid fats and added sugars for active teen boys can be about 600 calories.  That’s room enough for two, 20 fl. oz. bottles of Coca-Cola, and maybe a cookie. http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm

 And yes, I let my 16-year-old son—soon to be 17--drink Coke and our other beverages (another of his favorites is Honest Tea)—but as part of a healthy diet.  And I also make sure he gets plenty of physical activity and sleep—for his health—body, mind and spirit—and my sanity  

16: Please ask her about the Food Safety Modernization Act. What is Coke's perspective on enforcement, impact on industry, etc.

We support the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) provisions that will further improve the safety of our food and food ingredients.  The new law will help to maintain a safe and reliable supply chain to further reduce the frequency and impact of product recalls and food borne illnesses.  These efforts will, in turn, bolster consumer confidence in the safety of our nation’s food supply.  Ensuring the safety of our products – and maintaining the confidence of consumers – is an important goal—and the top commitment for the Company—and for me as a food safety professional, consumer, parent, and citizen.  We continuously review and monitor all emerging science and scientific studies and incorporate these as warranted into our manufacturing practices to help ensure that we are always producing the safest possible product for our consumers

17: Caramel coloring contains cancer-causing 4-MEI and California forced a change. When will the less contaminated product be available everywhere?  

There is no evidence from studies involving humans that 4-MEI causes cancer.  Scientific experts, like the European Food Safety Authority, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Health Canada, who have looked at the totality of the evidence have said that consumers are not at risk from the small amounts of 4-MEI in caramel coloring.  The change in California was caused by a “right to know” law where the merits for listing 4-MEI were not reviewed by independent scientists as requested by the beverage industry.  

The safety of our beverages is demonstrated by the fact that no regulatory agency around the world has either taken them off the market or has requested that we change the caramel we use.  Nevertheless in order to avoid putting an unwarranted warning label on our products in California, we asked our caramel color suppliers to determine how to reduce the levels of 4-MEI in the caramel color while maintaining the characteristics of caramel.  

Products currently available in California are made with the new process caramel.  In order to ensure that consumers continue to be able to enjoy the same great taste of our products everywhere, products with the new caramel color will be rolled out nationally as the supply of new process caramel becomes more available. 

But to be perfectly clear—if our beverages were unsafe—they wouldn’t be able to be sold—not in CA or anywhere.  To repeat the CA law (Prop 65) is about labeling—not about safety. 

18: Soda is the #1 source of calories in the US diet. Caffeine is an addictive stimulant added to bevs that millions of children consume. Why not just eliminate caffeine?   

Let me take each in order, beginning first with calories.  Actually, NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data 2001-2002 to 2009-2010 show that grain-mixtures (pizza, tacos, burritos, and other foods that combine numerous ingredients, but are predominantly grains) are the number one source of calories in the U.S. diet and have remained so over the last 10 years.  

Based on analyses of usual dietary intakes conducted by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened water beverages (including those with added nutrients), and fruit drinks combined comprise on average nearly 7% of all calories consumed by Americans – which means that  93% of our calories come from other sources. (USDA and DHHS, 2010) However, there are age, gender and ethnic groups in the population that have higher or lower intakes of calories from beverages.

Regardless, it is important to remember that all foods and beverages have the potential of contributing excess calories to the diet—thus consumers must be mindful of the total amount of calories they consume.

And now the 2^nd part of your question-- caffeine.  The Coca-Cola Company has used caffeine as a safe ingredient for more than 126 years.  And as it relates to addiction…foods and beverages aren’t drugs. The term “addiction” is often used loosely in the press, online and in everyday conversations in relationship to good tasting foods and beverages that people like to consume on a frequent basis. “Substance dependence” is the term used by many experts in the field to describe true addictions. 

While caffeine is known to be a mild stimulant, both Health Canada and the U.S. FDA have found levels up to 400 mg per day to be safe for healthy adults. Many health professionals consider 300-400 mg per day to be a moderate level of consumption for an adult (the approximate amount in three or four cups of coffee or seven to nine cans of caffeinated sparkling beverage). 

Lastly, we label caffeine levels on our products (in the U.S. and where permitted elsewhere in the world) and we also have a wide variety of caffeine-free beverages for those who do not want to consume caffeine or give to their children.  Why?  Because we believe in consumer choice—some folks want caffeine, some don’t.  Choice.  

19: What are the human health benefits of HFCS over cane sugar?    

In short, there is no difference from a benefit perspective between HFCS vs. cane sugar—they’re essentially the same.  Both are carbohydrates, providing 4 calories per gram with similar proportions of glucose and fructose. When it comes to satisfying your appetite, HFCS is equivalent to cane sugar. In fact, two 2007 studies comparing sparkling beverages sweetened with HFCS or sugar showed no difference in hunger, satiety or short-term energy intake (Melanson 2007; Monsivais 2007).  For more information, check The Coca-Cola Company Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness:  http://www.beverageinstitute.org/en_US/pages/article-science-hfcs.html, or the Corn Refiners Association:  http://sweetsurprise.com/hfcs-faqs?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=what%20is%20high%20fructose%20corn%20syrup&utm_campaign=Facts&gclid=CPvQ__6J_7MCFQSqnQodNWYAHA

We actually only asked 19 questions but "20 questions" made for a better headline. Please forgive. 

-Alex Bogusky