Of course, the American Beverage Association has been fighting parents' efforts to improve school foods every step of the way. This is an industry that only makes concessions to public health when they're on the verge of being forced to. Remember, these are the same folks who not too long ago licensed their logos for use on baby bottles and defended Coke marketing in Africa as if it were famine relief. If they now are concerned with fending off parents' lawsuits, I suggest that they be content with selling their obesity-inducing product in virtually every public place in America other than schools.

Spin notwithstanding, soft drinks such as soda and so-called 'sports drinks' are the biggest single source of kids' calories. Any serious plan to make a dent in childhood obesity would put curbing soda consumption at the top of the list. This study doesn't add much to the sum of human knowledge on soda sales in school. It's just a panicky and desperate attempt at public relations.