Applebee’s, IHOP No Longer Serving Sodas to Kids

Applebee's and IHOP, both major dining restaurants, will be dropping sodas from their kids menu nationwide, following in the footsteps of several fast-food chains which have committed themselves not to sell soft drinks to children.

In a report by FoxNews, Dine Equity, the company behind the two restaurant chains, said that it doesn't mean sodas will not be served to kids. They are still going to be available if ordered by parents for their children. Center for Science in the Public Interest praises both Applebee's and IHOP for their move to help their campaign to promote children's health.

"Soda and other sugar drinks promote diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and even heart disease, and a kids' menu is no place for disease-promoting drinks," said Jessica Almy, a representative for Center for Science in the Public Interest .

"Kudos to Applebee's for taking this important step to promote children's health. Other sit-down chains such as Chili's should follow Applebee's lead," Almy added.

ABC News reported that Dine Equity has also released a statement through their spokesman Craig Hoffman. "We believe this is a small step in assisting parents while dining out, as parents are in the best position to determine the appropriate food and beverage choices for their children," Hoffman said.

Hoffman added that hot chocolate milk, milk and hot chocolate will be available in both family restaurants' children's menu. Also, starting next spring, they will add juice in the list to complete the kids' options of beverages.

"We believe in having a broad variety of selections so our guests have a choice that best meets their needs," the Dine Equity spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola said that inactivity is the major cause of obesity and not mainly sodas as claimed by certain anti-obesity group. The soda company is trying to convince the public that soft drinks are good for consumers in an earlier report by the EATER.

According to the news portal, the soft drink giant has partnered with a certain fitness group to promote physical activity as a solution to decrease obesity rate in the country and not by eradicating sodas.

The advocacy group The Center for Science in the Public Interest has already announced the commitment of different food chains to drop sodas from their kid's menu. The list of food chains includes Wendy's, Burger King, McDonald's and Dairy Queen among others.

The superstar quarterback from NFL's New England Patriot, Tom Brady, has also joined the battle against obesity by saying that sodas are poison for kids.