A Massachusetts house bill proposing a one-­ and two-­cent tax per fluid ounce of sugar-­sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been withdrawn during a state budget hearing. The tax would have applied to SSBs containing more than five grams of sugar but excluded 100­-percent juice, milk substitutes, infant formula and beverages for medicinal use. Although sponsor Kay Khan (D) withdrew the proposal, a spokesperson for her office told Bloomberg that she has filed legislation to pursue the tax. See Bloomberg BNA, April 25, 2017.

 

Issue 632

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For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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