We are writing in response to the article titled ‘Blame it on soft drinks, not formula milk!’ (The Sunday Times of Malta, September 1).

The suggestion that one food or drink alone is responsible for obesity is untrue. Obesity is a serious and complex global health problem caused by a number of different factors, but is primarily the result of an energy imbalance – specifically too many calories consumed versus not enough calories expended.

A healthy diet is not about rejecting any one food, beverage or ingredient. It’s about making sensible choices that include consuming a variety of foods and beverages in moderation and ensuring individual nutrition needs are met, in line with the number of calories burned during the day.

As a company, we believe finding a solution to obesity requires collective action – from government, teachers, health professionals, parents and, of course, food and beverage companies like ours.

Earlier this year, we made four global business commitments in every country where we operate: to provide clear nutritional information on each of our drinks; to give people a choice of low and no calorie options; to help get people moving by supporting physical activity programmes. We also restated our commitment not to market to children under the age of 12 anywhere in the world.

This is not a new path for us in Malta. Close to 27 years ago we introduced Diet Coke, our first no sugar cola. Today, approximately 50 per cent of the drinks we sell here are low- or no- calorie. We’re also proud to promote active healthy lifestyles through our support of the Malta Football Association and its youth grassroots initiatives, as well as numerous football clubs.

We take seriously our commitment to help fight obesity and have instituted meaningful and measureable commitments to measure our progress year after year.