CA Bill Would Require Restaurants To Label Sugary Drinks

A state bill would require chain restaurant menus in California to include a high-added-sugar label for beverages that contain over 50 percent of the daily recommended amount of added sugar, if passed into law.

The bill, Senate Bill 869, was introduced by state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, who is a doctor herself. The legislation passed the Senate Health Committee earlier this month.

“As a physician, I have seen the devastating impact that excessive sugar consumption can have on individuals and families,” Weber Pierson, a Democrat from San Diego, said in a news release.

“SB 869 is a simple but powerful step toward transparency, giving people the information they need to make healthier choices and helping prevent chronic diseases before they start.”

The bill is supported by the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.

“Senate Bill 869 is an important step toward improving the dietary environment for Californians,” Dr. Arthur Jey, an emergency room physician and a local American Heart Association volunteer, said in the news release.

“As a physician, I’ve seen how excess added sugar can negatively impact long-term health. Clear menu icons can provide transparency at the point of choice, helping families make more informed decisions and reduce their risk of chronic disease.”

The recommended amount of added sugar per day is 50 grams based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The California Restaurant Association, in a statement, referred to the bill as “another example of California making small business owners comply with yet another law that is duplicative,” according to ABC 10, which noted the state requires chain restaurants to provide calorie information for food and drinks.

As of this week, the bill has been placed on the Senate Appropriations Committee suspense file.