MilkSucks.com: Group Seeks Imposition of Legal Restrictions on Flavored-Milk Vending Machines in Florida Schools

MilkSucks.com: PETA Files Complaint Over School Milk Sales

Complaint (PDF Format) 52k

Group Seeks Imposition of Legal Restrictions on Flavored-Milk Vending Machines in Florida Schools

Calling for legal restrictions to be imposed on the sale of flavored milk in public school vending machines, PETA filed a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Education. Schools throughout the state have been replacing soda vending machines with new ones containing flavored milk, which is being pushed as a “healthy” alternative to sweetened soft drinks. Yet the flavored milk products sold in the machines contain more sugar, fat, cholesterol, and calories than the soft drinks they replace. In fact, a typical 16-ounce serving of chocolate milk contains 58 grams of sugar, the equivalent of 14 1/2 teaspoons. And although the department has an obligation to limit student access to unhealthy foods, these sugar- and fat-laden milk drinks are not being restricted in any way.

Despite the dairy ads and other dairy hype, dairy products are linked to obesity, allergies, heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. And in addition to producing an unhealthy product, the dairy industry is so hard on its continually impregnated and overmilked cows that they are typically worn out and slaughtered at only a fraction of their natural lifespan, and it sends male calves into crate confinement to supply the nation’s cruel veal industry. The dairy industry is harmful both to children and to cows.

“At a time when they should be learning about nutrition and good character, Florida’s schoolchildren are being served unhealthy products and shown an indifference to animal suffering,” says PETA attorney Matthew Penzer. “Such ‘lessons’ do not serve the best interests of the students, of the public, or of the cows and calves who are abused and slaughtered at the hands of the dairy industry.”

What You Can Do
Write to the commissioner of the Florida Department of Education and urge him to grant the complaint and issue appropriate legal regulations restricting the sale of flavored milk in school vending machines.

Jim Horne, Commissioner
Florida Department of Education
Turlington Building, Ste. 1514
325 W. Gaines St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Click here for more information on the dangers that the dairy industry poses to human health, the environment, and animals.

Of course, the best way to help animals is to stop supporting industries that treat them with such disregard. Click here for a free vegetarian starter kit.