Ethical Concern on the Sale of Sugary Drinks in New York - Essay Sample

Introduction

Sugary drinks are consumed daily by many people in the City. Daily consumption of these drinks enables the operating companies to make a lot of profits from their sales. Children are the leading group of people in the use of sugary and fizzy drinks followed by young adults. Some adults consume drinks to comfort themselves after a tedious activity because sugary foods and drinks are known to bring satisfaction and anxiety to people. Nutritionists have escalated effects of too much sugar in food and drinks. Many people are aware of the health-related impacts of these drinks (Kersh, Stroup & Taylor, 2011). Therefore the consume them and allow their children too due to their ignorance. Beverages, additives and caffeine are also harmful when consumed in excess for a long period of time. Pure natural fruit juices are preferred to the sugary processed drinks.

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High sugar content in drinks increases the level of blood sugar in the body and pose a risk of getting diabetes to the user. Chronic diabetes may lead to occurrence of heart diseases due to increased blood pressure. Selling of high sugary drinks and products to the people is regulated by State government because the issue affects public health, political and economic development in New York. Department of public and mental health is responsible for providing regulations on the sale, handling and consumption of sugary drinks. The proportion of sugary drink has risen drastically in the past thirty years, and adults and children are taking them more than ever. In the 1960s, standard bottles for drinks contained 6.5 ounces of sugar (Pomeranz, 2012). The proportions of sugar to other active ingredients were low as compared to present-day ratio.

University students, travelers and sports fans are known to be the leading consumers of sugary drinks in United States of America. Obesity is a condition that has resulted from the use of drinks with a lot of sugar content. Too many sugars in diets are the primary cause of tooth decay among children. Presence of sugar on the surface of teeth provides a conducive environment for decaying bacteria that breakdown simple sugars to produce acids that corrode enamel leading to cracking and decay. Addiction may also occur from continuous use of sugary drinks especially among children and youth (Kersh, Stroup & Taylor, 2011). Over seventy percent of total university students take these drinks regularly. Approximately twenty percent of the customers are addicts since they consume sweet drinks daily. Some of the drinks sold are not analyzed for their potential effects and safety because they are sold in local streets. Unauthorized soft drinks are illegal for human consumption.

Other than too much fructose and glucose in the drinks, some harmful chemicals are added to improve flavor and color. Research has shown that an increase in the number of kidney stones patients is attributed to overuse of sugary drinks like cola. Chronic kidney stones may cause renal and bladder cancer if not treated on time. Flavorings and preservatives in carbonated drinks are linked to granulomatosis of the oral and facial regions. Sensitivity of human body to chemicals used to produce soft drinks interferes with sleep pattern and memory level. The severity of the disease depends on the amount of drink consumed in a given period of time and frequency.

Sweetened tea contains too many sugars that exceed limits requirements. Fast move foods are preferred by working people and travelers. Calorie needs of the body depend on gender, psychological conditions and physical activity of an individual. Therefore, one should analyze nutritive content of each type of drink before buying them from a retailer. The ban on the drinks would only apply to those with more than twenty-five calories in eight ounces/cubes of sugar (Pomeranz, 2012). Travelers consume sugary drinks during their journey to boost body energy levels. Restaurants and shops are greatly affected by the ban on the sale of sugary drinks. New York state government and health department regulate all business involving human health. The regulations emphasize on the use of cups and classes for drinking instead of sipping on bottles to reduce health problems posed on the New Yorkers.

Answers to Review Questions

Question #1. Why Doughnut Chain Sold only Sugary Soft Drinks?

The patrons were unwilling to stop over and purchase diet drinks from campus and coin-operated machines on the way. Many people also preferred taking sugary drinks rather than low sugar content foods and drinks because of the fast services offered by retailers and company agents. The chain business continued after famous investors criticized the ban on the sell sugary drinks. Generally, willingness of consumers supported the chain to continue with normal business in New York and other states.

Question #2. Was Selling only Sugary Soft Drinks Ethical?

It is unethical to sell sugary drinks to people. Business ethics are established to protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders. Since the health effects of sugary drinks are severe to human health, their consumption should be regulated by ethical considerations and government standards.

Question #3. Should the University Campus Official have forced the Doughnut Chain to Carry Diet Drinks?

Diet drinks contain required amounts of sugars and calories for effective body functioning. Consumption of less sugar is an essential policy for minimizing health-related problems. University officials should have provided rules against the sale of sugary drinks within its premises.

References

Kersh, R., Stroup, D. F., & Taylor, W. C. (2011). Childhood Obesity: a Framework for Policy Approaches and Ethical Considerations. Preventing Chronic Disease, 8(5).

Pomeranz, J. L. (2012). Advanced Policy Options to Regulate Sugar-Sweetened Beverages to Support Public Health. Journal of Public Health Policy, 33(1), 75-88.