New NYC Ad Campaign Targets Sweetened Teas, Fruit Drinks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York City's campaign to cut consumption of sugary drinks now features ads warning people about sweet teas, sports and energy drinks and fruit-flavored beverages.

The city health department launched the TV and bus ads Monday. The spots say such drinks might sound healthy but are packed with added sugar and that can lead to obesity and other health problems. Some of the ads target kids and teens.

Instead, the health department urges residents to drink fat-free milk, seltzer or water and eat fresh fruit instead of drinking juice.

The ads cost about $1.4 million. They further a "pouring on the pounds'' campaign that dates to 2009.

WATCH ONE OF THE ADS:

The American Beverage Association says the ads oversimplify the causes of obesity.

The city and soft drink makers and sellers are in court over the city's effort to cap the sizes of soda and other sugary drinks sold in many eateries. A judge struck down the measure, but the city has appealed.

In addition to the 16-ounce sugary drink limit, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has led the charge on a number of health initiatives since taking office, including banning smoking indoors and in some outdoor spots, requiring chain restaurants to post calorie counts and launching a crusade against salt.

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