AP Interview: Coke official against NYC soda ban

CHICAGO (AP) — A senior executive with Coca-Cola said Thursday that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempt to ban the sale of large sodas and other sugary drinks unfairly singles out and demonizes an industry and will do nothing to address the problem of obesity.

Steve Cahillane, president and CEO of the company’s Coca-Cola Refreshments unit, said the mayor’s proposal is overly simplistic and that the complex issue of obesity requires a more sophisticated approach that touches on everything from diet and portion sizes to promoting exercise among children and providing more parks and recreation spaces.