- California State Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) introduced a bill that would require health warning labels on sugary beverages sold in California. More specifically, SB 300, referred to as the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Health Warning Act, would require the following warning on certain sealed beverage containers:
- STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages are defined as having added sweeteners of 75 calories or more per 12 ounces. Exceptions would be allowed for certain types of beverages, such as 100% fruit juice, dietary aids, infant formula, and milk or milk substitutes. SB 300 was introduced on February 13, 2017, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health on February 23.
- Sen. Monning introduced similar bills in 2014 and 2015, however, neither of those bills passed. In introducing the bill this time, Sen. Monning stated in a press release, “Officials and public health advocates have heightened their criticism of sugar as a key contributor to health epidemics like obesity and diabetes, and California has become a major battleground in the fight against what they say is excessive sugar consumption.” He also noted that San Francisco is currently defending in court a law requiring a warning label on advertisements for sugary drinks. (For more information on that case, see our August 10, 2016, blog entry, Soda Speech Suit.)