National fast-food chain Wendy’s is removing soda from its kids’ menus, acknowledging requests from consumer organizations, including MomsRising.org and the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Effective immediately, menus intended for children’s food options will not mention soda, although parents are still free to order it for their kids if they choose. The move makes Wendy’s the second of the “big three” fast-food chains to remove soda from kids’ menus, after McDonald’s pledged in 2013 to phase out soda on kids’ menus this year. Now only Burger King will continue to list soda on kids’ menus. Other major chains that have already removed soda from kids’ menus include Subway, Chipotle, Arby’s and Panera, according to CSPI. Soda contains a significant amount of added sugar, which has long been linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, tooth decay and other health problems. A study published in the medical journal The Lancet found that drinking one additional sugary drink each day raises a child’s risk of obesity by 60 percent, according to CSPI. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that children consume no more than three or four teaspoons of sugar every day. However, one 12-oz. can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar, while a 2-liter bottle of it contains 27. Even adult men should only consume eight or nine teaspoons a day, and women should only consume five, AHA says. “Wendy’s is taking a responsible step forward that will improve children’s health and make it easier for parents to make healthy choices for their children,” said Jessica Almy, CSPI senior nutrition policy counsel, in a written statement. “We hope Burger King, Applebee’s, IHOP, and other chains follow suit.” As pleased as the consumer groups say they are about the decision from Wendy’s, they note that the company still has plenty of room for improvement. For example, Wendy’s could offer whole-wheat buns, along with more fruit and vegetable options, as well as remove milkshake-style drinks from the kids’ menu.