Recently, two California state bills, AB 708 authored by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, and SB 203 authored by Senator Bill Monning, address product labels and their ingredients/potential dangers.
State bill AB 708 addresses cleaning products such as bathroom and kitchen cleaners, furniture polishes, spot removers, and other related products, and would require manufacturers of these products to list ingredients in a way that is clearly visible to consumers. Currently, manufacturers of these products use different labeling tactics, some listing all ingredients, while others list none or just those that are active. According to the Los Angeles Times, some manufacturers in the cleaning category simply choose to list ingredient categories rather than individual ingredients, such as “quality control agents” or “stabilizers.” Understandably, many companies are against listing all ingredients visibly on their cleaning products, as it would place their trade secrets in jeopardy.
As state bill SB 203, Senator Monning has attempted to pass this bill in the past, however it failed. Monning wants soda and other beverages that are packed with sugar to include labels warning of the dangers associated with consuming these beverages, such as tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity. The problem with this bill, according to some producers of soda and sugary drinks, is that they are not the only drinks that are unhealthy. Those that oppose SB 203 point the finger at candy, juice, and other sugary drinks/foods that can adversely affect health. Opponents of the bill fear that warning labels on sodas and sugary drinks would lead consumers to drink juices and other options they see as healthier, although many are not.
One thing is clear; labels on products should educate consumers, and not confuse them. Today’s consumers want to know what ingredients are in the products they consume and use, and the dangers potentially associated with those goods.
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