State senator wants warning labels on sodas
WARNING:
Drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay
Paso Robles’ State Senator announced legislation this week to add a warning label to sugary drinks.
Monning, (D-Carmel Democrat) has pushed for a tax on sweetened drinks for years. With this new approach he wants soft drinks to come with warning labels similar to those on cigarettes and alcohol, warning consumers the drinks are dangerous.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sugar-sweetened drinks have been linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and dental diseases.
“The risk of cardiovascular disease death increases exponentially as you increase your consumption of added sugar,” says Quanhe Yang, a senior scientist at the CDC. On average, adults in the US consume about 15% of their daily calories, about 300 calories a day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet — from added sugars, according to a CDC study.
Monning, a vocal public health advocate, is making national news with his fight against sugary drinks. He was featured in the New York Times this week.
The proposed law would require a warning on the front of beverage containers with added sweeteners that have 75 or more calories in every 12 ounces. The label would warn that drinks with added sugar contribute to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
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