School junk-food restrictions likely

PORTLAND – A state education official says organized opposition to further restrictions on junk food in Maine schools is unlikely.

The Education Department is expected to issue an administrative order early next year that would ban soda, candy machines and soft-drink advertisements from Maine’s public schools.

The ban is subject to public comment. No legislation would be needed to enforce it.

State and federal rules already curb junk-food sales during school hours.

The Legislature’s Education Committee has expressed support for the more restrictive policy, but rejected proposed legislation that would have banned soda and sweets from school grounds.

Rep. Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, the House chairman of the education panel, suggested that soda and candy suppliers were sensitive to public sentiment on the issue.

“It would have left a bad taste in the public’s mouth if the industry had outright fought the bill,” he said.

David Stockford of the Maine Education Department said industry is supportive. The soft-drink industry has long opposed bills to remove soda vending machines from schools, arguing that the state shouldn’t legislate eating habits.

Products subject to restriction could include food with minimal nutritional value providing less than 5 percent of the daily allowance of eight nutrients per serving or 100 calories.

That includes soda, but not drinks that contain fruit juices. It also includes chewing gum, hard candy, lollipops, mints, sugar wafers, jelly beans, candy-coated popcorn and gumdrops.

Several school districts already ban soda and junk food, including Lewiston, Old Orchard Beach and SAD 61, which includes Casco, Naples and Bridgton.