Res. No. 804
Resolution calling on the New York City Department of Education to immediately stop serving food and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup.
By Council Member Vallone, Jr., James, Mark-Viverito, Nelson and Koo
Whereas, High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a commonly-used sweetener and preservative made by changing sugar (glucose) in cornstarch to fructose to create a combination of glucose and fructose; and
Whereas, HFCS is commonly used instead of sugar alone in the preparation of commercially sold food products because it extends the shelf life of processed foods and is a cheaper alternative than sugar; and
Whereas, Despite widespread use of HFCS since the 1970s, some have questioned its safety and noted links between exposure to HFCS and negative health consequences; and
Whereas, Researchers from Princeton University have linked consumption of HFCS to weight gain and obesity; and
Whereas, Likewise, researchers from Loyola University's Stritch School of Medicine and the University of Florida found that individuals that consumed HFCS exhibited higher rates of kidney and liver disease respectively; and
Whereas, These studies raise concerns about the safety of HFCS, particularly in vulnerable populations; and
Whereas, The New York City Department of Education (DOE) is responsible for approximately 1.1 million school children; and
Whereas, The DOE participates in the national school breakfast and lunch programs, feeding thousands of youngsters every day; and
Whereas, School children also have access to competitive foods, which are foods that are sold in the school, separate from the school meals program; and
Whereas, While, the DOE recently announced plans to reduce and eventually eliminate foods that contain HFCS, schools are still serving foods and beverages with HFCS; and
Whereas, Additionally, Assembly Member Barbara Clark recently introduced A.2562, a bill which would restrict the use of HFCS in all food and beverages; and
Whereas, The bill's sponsor asserts that by eliminating HFCS in food products, there will be a noticeable reduction in the incidence of obesity, insulin-resistance and liver disease; and
Whereas, Only through comprehensive measures can we ensure that New York City children are safe from harmful artificial sweeteners; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Education to immediately stop serving food and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup.
LS # 1494
3/31/11
JM