Lawmakers in California once again attempted to overcome the excessive consumption of the people of the state of sweet carbonated drinks.
With this aim, 20 February proposed a number of measures, among which:
- additional tax,
- the printing on the bottle warning labels,
- the ban on the deployment of soda near the cash registers.
“Like the tobacco industry, companies like Coke & Pepsi are peddling harmful products to children at a significant cost to public health & our health care system.» Learn more at https://t.co/O6s5RimCFq#StopBigSoda #SSB #Obesity #Diabetes pic.twitter.com/xDndswfo0h
— David Aizuss (@lasereyedoc) February 20, 2019
The Democrats of the state promoted 5 bills, to overcome the «crisis in public health» — increase in the number of people suffering from obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other diseases caused by excessive consumption of sugary soda.
Bill No. 1
«Industry soda is the new tobacco industry — said a member of the Assembly Democrat David Chiu of San Francisco. Is an industry that uses marketing tactics and sales that afflict the population with low income and people of color across the country».
Chiu promoting his bill calling for a ban for all restaurants to sell sodas in cups exceeding 16 oz (0.5 l). According to the legislator, obesity suffers every 4-th adult Californian is 40% more than 20 years ago. Today, more than half of state residents are overweight, there is diabetes or prediabetics condition. According to Chiu, the average American consumes up to 50 gallons (190 liters) of soft drinks, and then about 39 pounds (17.5 kg) of sugar!
The bills No. 2 and No. 3
Other Billy proposes to ban the shops to place fizzy drinks in the zones near the banks, and the issue on soda coupons. According to Assembly member Rob Bonta from Auckland, because of these coupons «soda is cheaper than bottled water.»
The Republicans of the Assembly were opposed to the proposals of the Democrats, saying: «What’s next? Criminalization of pizza more than 18 inches?»
Bill No. 4
A member of the Assembly Democrat Richard bloom of Santa Monica for the third consecutive year proposes to introduce a tax on sugary drinks, which will Fund programs for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as diabetes. The bill is under development, but, according to preliminary estimates, a tax of $0.02 per ounce will provide the $2 billion a year for the claimed preventive measures.
Announcing my bill #AB138 to levy a sugar sweetened beverage fee, the revenues of which would be used to address the diabetes and obesity epidemic in CA. pic.twitter.com/BztJReTXTc
— Assemblymember Bloom (@AsmRichardBloom) February 20, 2019
Julian Canete, President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, protecting the interests of the beverage industry, has criticized the package, saying that manufacturers of soda and so much has been done to reduce excessive intake by Americans of soda. Instead of additional tax will be offers to raise public awareness in the field of healthy lifestyle.
American Beverage Association, which represents Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and other soft drinks manufacturers, said that, taking on an «unprecedented commitment to combat obesity,» she offers consumers a greater choice of beverages in the container is reduced in volume with minimal sugar or no.
Bill No. 5
The bill, developed by Senator bill Manningham of Carmel, provides for the application of bottles of soda warnings about their dangers — such as those that are applied to packs of cigarettes.
In addition to aeration promoted a package of bills also includes sports drinks, sweetened coffee and tea and other beverages with sugar.
