ISRAEL
A ban on soft drinks in Israeli Government offices is being extended to the country’s Parliament, the Knesset.
Members who are thirsty can now choose only from water, soda water, coffee and tea, with soft drinks, juices with added sugar, and other sugary drinks off the menu.
In addition, water and soda water will be offered in pitchers, with individual plastic bottles banned.
Director-General of the Knesset, Albert Sacharovich said the decision was made for environmental and health reasons.
“The Knesset goes through some 80,000 bottles of soft drinks annually, served during Knesset Committee sessions; a similar number is consumed in the Knesset dining room,” Mr Sacharovich said.
“The move to pitchers and away from bottled soft drinks will reduce the garbage generated by the Knesset by at least 50 per cent.”
The elimination of soft drinks is another step in efforts to raise health consciousness among Israelis, with fattening carbohydrate-rich foods already banned by the Civil Service Authority (CSA).
Instead of the usual high-fat foods served at meetings, the CSA wants to see more fruit, sugar-free yoghurts, nuts and wholegrain-based cakes and sandwiches, and other healthier foods at these events.
The order also affects lunches served at offices and events, and here, too, the emphasis will be on wholegrains, vegetables, and a sharp reduction in the amount of sugar served.
Fish and lean meat will be preferred, and chicken will be served without the skin, while fried foods will be significantly limited.
The change has affected dozens of organisations, including all Government Ministries, the courts, the Knesset, the Tax Authority, Government hospitals, police and fire stations.
The CSA said the move was designed to battle the increased levels of obesity among Israelis, which are responsible for a slew of diseases, from cancer to diabetes.
Jerusalem, 26 May 2019
