Iowa Patch Poll: Should Iowa Limit the Size of Soda Drinks?

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has suggested banning sales of soda pops greater than 16 ounces saying soda contributes to obesity.

Here in Iowa, Gov. Terry Branstad aims to make us the healthiest state in the nation, but he feels choosing what to drink, and how much of it, should be up to us.

“We cannot legislate our way to being the healthiest state,” Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht told the Des Moines Register. “That goal will only be accomplished through Iowans taking ownership of their individual health.”

Kirk Tyler, president of Coca-Cola Atlantic Bottling Co. in western Iowa, told the Register that such bans could not only hurt his industry it could also harm Iowa farmers.

Full-calorie sodas contain “high-fructose corn syrup,” he said.

“If we ban those kinds of products, what does it do to the Iowa farmer? What will it do to the Iowa economy? It won’t put a huge dent in it, but it won’t help it,” he said.

What do you think about this ban? Vote in the poll and tell us why in the comment section.