2014 New York Bill that would Put Warning Label on Sugary Drinks Hits Dead End

Share On Social!

California recently attempted to pass a bill in the state legislature that would put a health warning label on certain sugary drinks. Although the bill did not pass, it has generated interest nationwide, and New York is the next state to try for such a measure in hopes of reducing diabetes-related sugary drink consumption.

New York Assembly Bill 10172 would require sugar-sweetened beverages to be labeled with a safety warning that would read: “SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.”

The bill defines a “sugar-sweetened beverage” as any sweetened nonalcoholic beverage, carbonated or non-carbonated, sold for human consumption that has added caloric sweeteners and which contains seventy-five calories or more per twelve fluid ounces. The law would not apply to 100% natural fruit or vegetable juices, medically necessary beverages, infant formula, or any beverage whose principal ingredient by weight is milk.

Read more from Kick the Can, a project of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy focused on sugary drinks education and advocacy.

Check out the press release here.

Update: This bill died in committee, but another New York Assemblyman introduced a similar sugary drink warning label bill in February 2015.