California State Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) introduced a bill that would require health warning labels on sugary beverages sold in California. More specifically, SB 300, referred to as the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Health Warning Act, would require the following warning on certain sealed beverage containers:

• STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.

Sugar-sweetened beverages are defined as having added sweeteners of 75 calories or more per 12 ounces. Exceptions would be allowed for certain types of beverages, such as 100% fruit juice, dietary aids, infant formula, and milk or milk substitutes. SB 300 was introduced on February 13, 2017, and referred to the Senate Committee on Health on February 23.

Sen. Monning introduced similar bills in 2014 and 2015, however, neither of those bills passed. In introducing the bill this time, Sen. Monning stated in a press release, “Officials and public health advocates have heightened their criticism of sugar as a key contributor to health epidemics like obesity and diabetes, and California has become a major battleground in the fight against what they say is excessive sugar consumption.” He also noted that San Francisco is currently defending in court a law requiring a warning label on advertisements for sugary drinks. (For more information on that case, see our August 10, 2016, blog entry, Soda Speech Suit.)