SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
California lawmakers on Thursday advanced the last major surviving bill in a package aimed at reducing consumption of sodas, approving a measure that would require health warning labels on sugary drinks.
The measure by Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) received a bare majority of votes even though some Democrats withheld votes while others in the majority party joined Republicans in opposition.
The latest action follows this year’s shelving of measures that would have put a tax on soda and banned “Big Gulp”-style sodas in an effort to address health risks including obesity and diabetes that are posed by sugary drinks.
“They represent the single leading source of increased bad calories that are being promoted in our communities and pushed on communities of color,” Monning said during the floor debate, citing a “national epidemic” of diabetes.
The label on container would say: “STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) may contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.”
[...] The American Beverage Assn. opposed the bill with a strong push by lobbyists and while making major political contributions to state lawmakers.
The industry argued that the bill and its health impact claims went too far.
“There are already more effective ways to help people manage their overall sugar consumption rather than through mandatory and misleading messages,” said Steven Maviglio, a spokesman for the American Beverage Assn.
[...] Legislators are also still considering a bill that would bar the soda industry from offering subsidies including discount coupons that encourage soda consumption.
(Score: 2) by Username on Wednesday May 29 2019, @10:38PM (1 child)
Why is the government trying to decide what I do to MY body? Get out of my fat lined uterus. Being fat is attractive, there is no need to body shame either.
Serious note: There should be no laws determining what you can and cannot do to your own body. The government should step in when you start harming another person's body by your actions. Can tell them it's bad and wrong, but you cannot force them to do what you think is in their best interest. People have agency. They get to decide how fat they get.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by pipedwho on Wednesday May 29 2019, @10:57PM
This is not about forcing anyone to do anything (except accurately label).
This is about letting people know that this product will lead to fattening up, diabetes, and tooth decay should you be wanting those things.
This way you can safely avoid all the other drinks/foods without this label. You can then go out and buy only the products that will plump you up until you can't fit through the front door of your house (at which point you can have them delivered).
It's truly a win for all the proud boombas of California.