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February 18, 2016

“SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.” That’s the message some of the nation’s leading experts on nutrition and public health would like to see on soda and other sugary beverages—a message that would be required by pending legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D) and Senator Gustavo Rivera (D).

The 26 scientists and researchers who support the legislation say that the legislation follows the recommendations and science of the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans that calls for limiting consumption of sugary drinks.

“The Dietary Guidelines points to the scientific evidence that reducing consumption of added sugars reduces the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, as well as some cancers and heart disease,” the scientists wrote to members of the Assembly and Senate. “In fact, sugary drinks are the single largest source of added sugars in the American diet, accounting for 47 percent. Each extra soft drink consumed per day is associated with a 60 percent increased risk of overweight in children.”

The legislation is also strongly supported by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest.

“Governments should be adopting a wide variety of policies aimed at reducing soda consumption and soda-related diseases like obesity,” said CSPI health promotion policy director Jim O’Hara. “Consumers certainly deserve to have this important information about the harm sugary drinks cause to health.”