Soon, bottles of pop could come with a health warning akin to cigarettes, if California Sen. Bill Monning’s new bill passes. The senator proposed the measure last week in Sacramento in the context of reducing childhood obesity. (California’s already banned soda in public schools.) SB 1000 would take effect in July 2015. Reports the L.A. Times:
“When the science is this conclusive, the state of California has a responsibility to take steps to protect consumers,” Monning said. “As with tobacco and alcohol warnings, this legislation will give Californians essential information they need to make healthier choices.”
SB 1000 would require a warning label on the front of all cans and bottles of soda and fruit drinks sold in stores with added sweeteners that have 75 or more calories per 12 ounces.
We can think of a few options for the label:
- This shit’s bad for you! Don’t drink it!
- STEP AWAY FROM THE CAN
- Literally just sugar water and chemicals, what are you THINKING
- Just put your shoe in a juicer, it’d be healthier
Sadly, the label would just say “STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.” Lacks imagination, but it’s slightly more direct. As with smoking labels, we’re not sure how effective the warning will be, given that graphic photos of shriveled organs are more effective than plain text. But at least it’s a big step in the right direction!
