Former first lady Michelle Obama is facing criticism after her newly launched “Plezi Nutrition” brand of drinks was found to not meet the same health standards she championed during her time in the White House.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, Plezi drinks would not be permitted in schools under the school lunch regulations that Obama advocated. Despite positioning these drinks as a healthier alternative to sugary beverages, experts interviewed by Bloomberg were largely critical of the product.
While the Plezi drinks do contain less sugar than typical competitors, they also include additives that disqualify them from school lunch programs. Natural sweeteners, such as those derived from stevia leaf and monk-fruit extracts, are used in the drinks. However, concerns have been raised about the potential risks of consuming these sweeteners, particularly for young children.
The inclusion of these additives contradicts the Obama-era school lunch regulations, which only permit water, milk, or 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice with no added sweeteners in U.S. elementary and middle schools. Plezi drinks, with their additives, would not be allowed to be served in American schools.
This development has sparked criticism towards the Obamas, with some accusing them of hypocrisy or incompetence. It poses an embarrassing situation for Michelle Obama, especially considering the speculation surrounding her potential presidential candidacy in the future.
The scrutiny over the Plezi drinks not meeting the standards she advocated raises questions about the credibility of the Obamas and their commitment to promoting healthier choices.
