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Emanuel Seeking Healthier Food In City Vending Machines

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed an ordinance that would require vending machines at city buildings to offer more healthy drinks and snacks starting next year.

WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports the mayor will introduce the proposal to the City Council on Thursday. The measure would set strict new standards for the calorie contents of food and drinks in vending machines in city buildings starting in January.

The ordinance would require 75 percent of the cold drink options in vending machines to be low-calorie drinks – meaning 25 calories or fewer per 8 ounces. All hot beverages would have to be low-calorie drinks.

All beverages, except water and seltzer, could be no larger than 12 ounces.

In food machines, at least 75 percent of the snack options would have to contain 250 calories or fewer. In addition, at least five different items would have to contain 250 mg of sodium per serving, or less. At least one food item in every machine would have to be gluten-free and nut-free.

The city has more than 150 snack vending machines, and nearly 200 beverage machines located at city buildings.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya Reports

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