On February 11, California Senate Majority leader, State Senator Bill Monning, reintroduced a bill that would require a warning label on sugar-sweetened beverages sold in the state. The proposal, which cleared the state Senate last year but failed to advance past an Assembly committee due to heavy industry lobbying, would require the following health warning label on sodas and other beverages with added sugar: “STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.”
A vast amount of scientific research shows that soda and other sugary drinks are major contributors to the obesity epidemic. In California, over 60 percent adults and 40 percent of children are overweight, making them more susceptible to a variety of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. An estimated 14 percent of Californians have diabetes today, tripled from that of the last 30 years. In a statement, Monning said, “The state of California has a responsibility to inform consumers about products proven to be harmful to the public’s health.” He hopes the bill will help Californian make more healthful choices. The beverage industry, on the other hand, believes the labeling will only confuse consumers, rather than help them make informed and healthful decisions.
The bill would mandate the label for all beverages with added sweetener that have 75 or more calories per 12 ounces. This includes sodas, energy drinks, sweet teas and sports drinks. If the bill passes, labeling would be required after a six-month grace period after the law is enacted; the bill would take effect on July 1, 2016.
SOURCE: California Center for Public Health Advocacy. Senate Majority Leader Introduces Legislation Calling For Warning Labels on Sugary Drinks. 2015. Web. 19 Feb. 2015.
Sifferlin, A. (2015, February 11). Sugary Drinks Should Have Warning Labels, California Bill Says. TIME.
