1:45pm | The city of Long Beach will soon restrict the types of foods and beverages available for purchase on city property and that which is served at city-sponsored functions.

The Long Beach City Council approved a new policy Tuesday night requiring all mechanically vended snacks and beverages sold on city property, as well as all consumable items served at city events, to meet specific nutritional guidelines.

The policy, proposed by Councilman Steven Neal in an effort to battle the ongoing obesity epidemic, places limits on artificially sweetened drinks and the amount of calories, fat, sodium and sugar in snack foods. It also bans sugar-sweetened drinks.

The item was approved 8-1, with Councilman Patrick O’Donnell casting the lone dissenting vote.

O’Donnell said the policy equates to “too much government” in his eyes.

Councilwoman Rae Gabelich had planned to oppose Neal’s effort, as well, but she had a change of heart after hearing testimony from various residents, including a large group of Long Beach youths from the city’s Weed and Seed program.

Neal said the policy would not prevent people from purchasing consumable items that exceed the city-mandated restrictions.

“This just means we don’t have to offer it,” Neal said.

The city is adopting the same nutritional guidelines that the state enforces on California public school campuses, meaning the availability of candy bars and soft drinks in vending machines on city property is about to become a thing of the past.

As of July 1, 2007, the California Education Code requires that all food items not served to students as part of school meal programs on elementary school campuses be no more than 175 calories; contain no more than 35 percent of calories from fat and 10 percent of calories from saturated fat; and are no more than 35 percent sugar by weight.
Additionally, the Ed Code requires that all snack food items not served to students as part of school meal programs on middle and high school campuses be no more than 250 calories; contain no more than 35 percent of calories from fat and 10 percent of calories from saturated fat; and are no more than 35 percent sugar by weight. “Entree”  food items must be no more than 400 calories and contain no more than 4 grams of fat per every 100 calories.

According to the American Public Health Association, obesity contributes to four of the 10 leading causes of death among U.S. adults: coronary heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and cancer. Childhood obesity is the No. 1 cause of type-2 diabetes.