Sweetened Drinks Could Soon Come With a Warning Label

Sugary drinks could soon have a warning label printed on them, if a California bill designed to address the Golden State’s growing diabetes epidemic passes in the Senate.

Senate Bill 1000 is slated for voting this week, according to California Healthline. If approved, it would establish the Sugary Drink Safety Warning Act and require all sweetened beverages containing 75 calories or more per 12-ounce serving to print the following message on them:”CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.”

Diabetes is reportedly highest among California’s Latino population and in children, Healthline notes. The bill advanced just as another bill, SB 1005 which seeks to extend healthcare benefits and Medi-Cal to illegal immigrants, was placed on hold by the Senate Appropriations Committee but granted an extension to give its supporters time to could drum up a financial plan to pay for its expansion. 

The committee voted 5-2 to send SB 1000, which was penned by Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel), to the Senate. A vote is expected this week to determine whether or not the sugary warning labels will in fact become a reality.