(Bronx, New York, December 22, 2011)-New York State Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro (D-Bronx) announced today that he has recently introduced legislation (Assembly Bill A8812) to prohibit supermarkets, grocery stores, markets or general stores from displaying candy or sugared beverages at the checkout counter or aisle.
Obesity is one of the major public health problems in the United States and has a much greater impact on health care spending than many other health problems. Obesity and excess weight has been found to contribute to chronic illnesses that include colon cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “about one third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese and approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese.”
“The display of candy and sugared beverages at the checkout counter or aisle in grocery stores, supermarkets, and general stores are intended to target obese and non-obese people to consume those unhealthy products,” Assemblyman Castro expressed. These products, displayed in these places, are a threat to anti-obesity campaigns across the country including “Lets Move,” an initiative dedicated to solving obesity problems launched by the First Lady Michelle Obama.
This legislation will help reduce the influence of candy and sugared beverages that contribute no nutritional value. The legislation also states that stores with less than ten employees will be exempt from such requirements and establishes June 1, 2012 as its effective date.
