California university students fight sale of 'pouring rights' to soda companies
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - This Sept. 15, 2011 file photo shows a nutrition label that lists high fructose corn syrup as an ingredient in a can of soda, in Philadelphia. In a trial starting Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, jurors in the case between sugar processors and corn manufacturers will take up one of nutritionâs most vexing debates and confront a choice common among some consumers: sugar or high fructose corn syrup? (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Students at a San Francisco university are objecting to plans to give "pouring rights" to Coca-Cola, Pepsi or another sugary drink company.
The rights would allow the chosen company to sell all the fountain drinks at San Francisco State University residence halls and sporting events, as well as stock vending machines and campus stores, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The university released a request for proposals last spring.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Celia LoBuono Gonzalez, a 22-year-old junior, said she's furious that university officials would jeopardize students' health by promoting such unhealthy drinks.
University President Leslie Wong said the school has made no decisions and is trying to figure out whether to enter into such an agreement.
Opponents of sugary beverages say the drinks add empty calories and can contribute to obesity and rotting teeth. Soda makers tell the newspaper that they offer a variety of choices, including healthy and zero-calorie drinks.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}San Francisco voters in 2014 rejected a 2-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks. The proposal received more than half of votes, but it needed a steep two-thirds majority to pass.
Backers will try to qualify another sugary soda tax measure for the 2016 November ballot.