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Sugar-laden Sprite is to be taken off the menu at all McDonald's outlets in the country in favour of a sugar-free alternative.
But there are no moves to remove the big-selling beverage Coca-Cola.
McDonald's, with Coca-Cola Oceania, announced yesterday that it was replacing Sprite with artificially sweetened Sprite Zero in all 139 restaurants nationally.
The move, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month, follows a successful 12-month trial in South Auckland as part of the Counties-Manukau District Health Board's Let's Beat Diabetes project. The trial resulted in an approximate 17 per cent reduction in the amount of sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks sold in McDonald's restaurants in the area.
One in six McDonald's customers buys Sprite. Sprite Zero was used in the trial because the taste difference between regular and diet versions was less noticeable than for some other soft drinks, including Coke.
Coca-Cola spokeswoman Alison Sykora said there were no plans to remove Coke from its menus, as Diet Coke was sold along with the sugar-sweetened version in all McDonald's outlets.
"The whole point of this is having more and more choices. We still think that there's a role for Coca-Cola, where people can enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. But we know that some people prefer sugar-free, so this is a way of giving them an alternative."
Professor Jim Mann from Otago University's department of human nutrition, welcomed the move.
"One of the most important things about this is that they do acknowledge that there is a problem.
" ... I think this is a major, major step in the right direction."
Mary Ann Nixon of the Obesity Action Coalition said the move was one step in reducing the high level of obesity, and the development of diabetes, especially in children.
But the group wanted to see McDonald's and Coca-Cola cease all marketing of high-energy, low-nutrient food.
"You've only got to watch TV to see how many ads are for junk foods.
"Advertising is very powerful and it does affect food choices, especially in children."
