Federal court denies soda industry’s motion to stop San Francisco’s warning labels on soda ads

Muhtar Kent to Step Down as Coke CEO

Statement of CSPI President Michael F. Jacobson

Judge Edward Chen’s ringing knock-down of Big Soda’s efforts to derail San Francisco’s requirement for a health warning on sugar drink advertisements is a major step forward in public health efforts to combat diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and other soda-related diseases.

With precise attention to legal precedent and close reading of the scientific evidence, the judge makes clear that states, cities, and counties across the country can exercise a basic tool of public health: providing consumers information on health risks.

We hope that public health and legislative bodies everywhere take note of this ruling and take swift action to protect their citizens’ health.