"STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay" might be a label consumers in California may soon find printed on their soda cans and other sugary drinks in the future, if a proposed bill in the state is passed into a law.
Senator William Monning proposed the bill, Thursday, in an attempt to require beverage producers to have the warning label on containers of beverages that have at least 75 calories per serving of 12 ounces. This will not only apply to sodas but also to other products such as ice teas, energy drinks, vitamin water, and sports drinks. The text for the label was formulated by a panel of health and nutrition experts.
"When the science is this conclusive, the state of California has a responsibility to take steps to protect consumers. As with tobacco and alcohol warnings, this legislation will give Californians essential information they need to make healthier choices," said Monning.
The California Medical Association and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, among other concerned groups co-sponsored the Senate Bill 1000.
"The science on the harmful impacts associated with drinking soda and other sugary drinks is clear and conclusive. An overwhelming body of research has unequivocally shown that sugary drinks are major contributors to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. These diseases cost California billions of dollars in health care and lost productivity every year. When any product causes this much harm, it is time to take action," said Dr. Harold Goldstein of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy.
In the last two decades, obesity has been a big problem for the United States. About 36 percent of adults and 17 percent of youngsters between two and 19 years are considered as obese, based on reports of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes is also a major issue affecting about 26 million people in the U.S. or about 8.3 percent of its total population.
There have also been studies that even consuming diet soda is not a good idea for those trying to get rid of extra pound. A new study has established that obese individuals who drink diet sodas in place of regular ones still consume more calories at the end of the day.
Naturally, the proposal of having warning labels on sugary drinks is being met by resistance from beverage manufacturers.
"It is misleading to suggest that soft drink consumption is uniquely responsible for weight gain. In fact, only 4.0 percent of calories in the average American diet are derived directly from soda," stated CalBev, the American Beverage Association's arm in California.
If the proposed warning label bill on sugary drinks becomes a law, California will again be the leader of the pack in trying discourage Americans from drinking high-calorie drinks. In 2005, the state banned junk food and sodas in all of its public schools.
