California May Require Sugary Drinks to have Health-Warning Labels

Legislatures in California have proposed to put a health-warning label on sodas and fruit juice drinks.

This is the first-ever sugar law written by the state, according to CBS Local. Bill Monning of Santa Cruz, who's cited studies showing a link between sugary drinks and obesity, tooth decay and diabetes, compares the bill, SB1000, to other common health advisories.

"As with tobacco and alcohol warnings, this legislation will give Californians essential information they need to make healthier choices," he said, via a statement.

The warning label would read the following, courtesy of the release: "State of California Safety Warning: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contribute to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay."

Those that would require such labels in the state would include any drinks with 75 or more calories per 12 ounces with added artificial sweeteners. Fast-food restaurants with soda dispensers would even require warning labels on the machines, as well as movie theatres and other common public places.

"We agree that obesity is a serious and complex issue," said CalBev, a group representing Coca-Cola Co., Pepsi-Cola Co. and the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, in a statement. "However, it is misleading to suggest that soft drink consumption is uniquely responsible for weight gain. In fact, only 4 percent of calories in the average American diet are derived directly from soda."

As it stands, statistics show that the average American consumes around 45 gallons of sugary drinks annually. Yet the California Medical Association notes that just one soda a day is enough to increase an adult's risk for obesity at 27 percent and children at 55 percent.