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San Francisco Measure Would Require Warning Labels On Soda Ads

San Francisco Measure Would Require Warning Labels On Soda Ads
San Francisco could become the first city in the nation to require warning labels on soft drink ads.

Sodas are once again in the bullseye in the Bay Area.

San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener on Tuesday introduced a measure that would require all new sodas ads to include a label warning that beverages with added sugar contribute to obesity and diabetes.

The bill would apply to ads on display in the city, including billboards, bus placards, and signs in sports stadiums.

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The beverage industry argues it’s unfair to single out their products.

But Cheryl Moder, director of the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative, said sodas should be targeted.

“A single 20 ounce bottle of soda contains 16 teaspoons of sugar and about 240 calories that are completely devoid of any nutrition," Moder said. "They're the biggest contributor of empty calories in the American diet."

Berkeley became the first city in the nation to pass a soda tax last November. The one-cent-per-ounce tax took effect in January.

San Francisco voters rejected a tax on sodas and other sugary drinks last November.