Baltimore Considers SSB Health Warnings

Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby (D) has introduced legislation
that would require health warnings for sugar-sweetened beverages
(SSBs) in certain advertisements, menus, menu boards and point-of-sale
signage.

“The beverage industry specifically targets youth and communities of
color with its marketing efforts, spending $395 million in marketing
directed at youth and $28.6 million on marketing campaigns specifically
targeting African-American and Hispanic youth,” according to Council
Bill 16-0617. The draft ordinance further asserts, among other things, that some 25 percent of school-age Baltimore City children drink one or
more soda daily.

The proposed health notice would state: “Warning: Drinking beverages
with added sugar contributes to tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes. This
message is from the Baltimore City Health Department.”

Violators of the ordinance would face misdemeanor fines as high as
$1,000. The proposal has been referred to the Department of Health.
See The Baltimore Sun, January 11, 2016.

Issue 590