Minnesota lawmakers reject soft drink restrictions in schools

Minnesota lawmakers have defeated a proposal to restrict soft drink sales in schools.

Related articles: The Coca-Cola Company says it is scaling back its aggressive marketing strategy in schools. The company's president is scheduled to tell a meeting of educational organizations in Washington today that the company will end its exclusive contracts with a limited number of schools, and include juice, milk and water in its school vending machines. Coke also says it will respect the wishes of school administrators who want to limit the hours and places where soft drinks are sold. (New York Times--free registration required)

"We're trying to listen to administrators, teachers and parents, and respond to all the constituents," says Jeff Dunn, president of Coca-Cola Americas. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)