California Assembly Rejects Senate Bill on Sugary Drink Warning Labels

A California Assembly committee has voted 8-7 against a bill (S.B. 1000), passed in May 2014 by the Senate, to require warnings on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) alerting consumers that “[d]rinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.” Those on the Assembly Health Committee opposing the measure were apparently concerned that it singled out a single industry and children would not necessarily read the label. Industry advocates reportedly called the proposal unfair, because it would have required warnings on SSBs containing 75 calories while allowing higher calorie foods to be sold without them.  Bill sponsor Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel), who also introduced unsuccessful legislation that would have imposed a tax on soft drinks, was quoted as saying, “I remain committed to pursuing this issue and being part of a broad public health campaign to educate communities about the proven health risks of sugary drinks.” See Reuters, June 17, 2014; California Healthline, June 18, 2014.

Issue 527