Posted on 06/06/16
| News Source: WBAL
On Tuesday, the Baltimore City Council's Health Committee holds a hearing on a bill that would require health warning labels be placed on sugar sweetened beverages sold in the city.
The bill would also require labels on restaurant menus, advertisements and in stores that sell these products.
Robi Rawl, executive director of Sugar Free Kids Maryland, says the labels would be similar to those on cigarette packets.
Rawl told Maryland's News This Week that the labels would help consumers make informed choices about buying the beverages, warning people that over consumption of the drinks may cause obesity, diabetes and other health problems.
The bill sponsored by City Councilman Nick Mosby was introduced back in January, when Mosby was a candidate for mayor.
The bill is opposed by retailers, and the beverage industry who argue that it should be up to consumers to decide for themselves if they want to buy these beverages.
They also note the beverage industry does place calorie counts clearly on the labels of soft drinks, fruit juices, teas and other drinks that help people make an informed choice.
Rawl called those labels an important first step, but says the warning labels are needed.
It is not clear when the committee will vote on the bill.
If approved, Baltimore would become the second city in the nation to approve such legislation.
San Francisco lawmakers approved a similar measure last year.