Baltimore's proposed warning on sugary drinks tries new tactic

Thursday Jan 14th, 2016

A new Baltimore bill that would require health warnings on sweetened drinks hopes to signal that public health officials want to inform, rather than restrict consumer choice, and supporters say it's the type of strategy that might work.

Baltimore's proposal would require advertisements for sugary drinks or any business that sells sweetened beverages to post warnings that read: “Drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to tooth decay, obesity and diabetes. This message is from the Baltimore City Health Department.”

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said the bill stems from conversations with residents who worry about childhood obesity. Wen said 1 in 3 school-aged children in Baltimore are either overweight or obese, and 1 in 4 children drink one or more soft drinks a day.

Read more at: http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20160114/NEWS/160119917

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