Who regulates soft drinks?

It's tricky to say definitively who "regulates" soft drinks because it involves various entities at different levels:

Federal Level:

* FDA (Food and Drug Administration): The FDA regulates the safety of food and beverages, including soft drinks, in the United States. They set standards for ingredients, manufacturing processes, and labeling.

* FTC (Federal Trade Commission): The FTC focuses on advertising and marketing claims, ensuring they are truthful and not misleading. This includes claims about ingredients, health benefits, or nutritional value.

* USDA (United States Department of Agriculture): While not directly regulating soft drinks, the USDA plays a role in regulating ingredients used in soft drinks, such as high-fructose corn syrup.

State Level:

* State Departments of Health: Each state has its own health department that may have additional regulations specific to soft drinks. For example, some states may have regulations regarding the sale of sugary drinks to minors or in schools.

Local Level:

* Cities and Counties: Some cities and counties have implemented their own taxes or restrictions on sugary drinks, such as soda taxes, to address health concerns related to sugar consumption.

Industry Self-Regulation:

* American Beverage Association (ABA): The ABA represents the beverage industry and sets voluntary guidelines for its members regarding ingredients, labeling, and marketing.

International Level:

* WHO (World Health Organization): The WHO provides recommendations and guidelines for reducing sugar consumption worldwide, which indirectly affects the soft drink industry.

It's important to note: The regulations and oversight vary widely depending on the specific type of soft drink, its ingredients, and the jurisdiction where it's sold. Additionally, ongoing debates and evolving regulations mean the landscape of soft drink regulation is constantly changing.