Oppose AB 2572 (Parra)
Dear Senator,
I oppose AB 2572 (Parra). This bill is bad for Californians and is bad public health policy.
Although the bill claims to increase consumers access to nutritional information at chain restaurants, it does nothing more than codify the status quo. Chains like McDonalds would not have to do anything different under AB 2572. They would be able to continue to provide nutrition in hard-to-read formats, such as nutritional posters, brochures, tray liners or other after the point of sale methods. A study of over 7,000 people in 275 restaurants found that fewer than 5% of people see the nutrition information in chain restaurants that provide it in those ways.
Restaurant nutrition information must be easy to use and easy to locate to allow people to make informed food choices. Restaurants cant place the price in a separate location, and they shouldnt be able to place nutrition information elsewhere either. This information must be placed on the menu/menu board so consumers can look one place and make an informed menu choice.
AB 2572 is opposed by major health organizations, including the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. I trust them with my health interests more than industry and hope you will join these groups in opposition to the bill.
At a time of rising health care costs, we cant afford to pass health policy that at best does nothing to improve the publics health and at worst has a negative impact. I urge your NO vote when AB 2572 comes before you in the Senate Health Committee on June 25th.
Thank you,
Your name and address here
