Update: California’s Warning Labels for Sugary Drinks Bill Dies in Committee

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Studies show that Latino kids tend to drink more sugary drinks than their peers, putting them at a higher risk for weight-related issues like diabetes. One California lawmaker wants to insure that people are aware of the health risks of consuming too much added sugar.

State Senator Bill Monning, responsible for attempting to pass a sugary drink tax a few times in the past, introduced a bill that would require a warning label on any drink with added sweeteners that has 75 or more calories in every 12 ounces.

Monning said his labeling bill is akin to health warnings already carried on tobacco and alcohol products and focuses on health risks that a broad body of science has clearly linked to sugary drinks.

Updates:
The bill cleared its first legislative test on April 9th, 2014.
In late April the bill was put on hold over the cost of enforcing the measure. Reports say Sen. Monning intends to rework the bill to reduce these costs.

On May 23, 2014, in a 5-2 vote, the Appropriations Committee voted in favor of SB 1000 and the bill is now headed to the full, California Senate for a floor vote.

The bill received the 21 votes it needed to pass through the California Senate on May 29, 2014, and now heads to the California Assembly.

Soda Warning Label Bill, SB 1000 did not make it out of the California Assembly Health Committee. Committee members voted down efforts to advance the bill further in the legislative process. Eight assemblymembers voted against, seven voted for it and four abstained from voting.

Health advocates maintain that they will continue to fight for better beverage policies in California and across the county.
Read more about the proposed bill.

Read what Latino health advocates have to say about diabetes among Latino Californians and why they support sugary drink warning labels.

And check out these resources on reducing sugary drink consumption.