The city's Board of Health has voted unanimously to begin a six-week public comment period on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to ban the sale of oversized sodas and sugary drinks.

Several board members spoke strongly in favor the proposal to limit the size of drinks to 16 ounces. They stressed that it's all in an effort to combat a serious health crisis, not to demonize the soda industry.

A formal vote on the bill is scheduled for Sept. 13.