CNSNews.com) - Baltimore’s high crime rate regularly makes national headlines, but on Tuesday city officials were debating the dangers of sugary drinks and the need for warning labels on those drinks to “educate residents” on this threat.

In an advisory distributed to the media on Monday, Baltimore health officials said they were going to “call on City Council to pass legislation to educate residents about the dangers of sugary drinks.”

A hearing by the City Council’s Health Committee on the legislation was held on Tuesday, where Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen was joined by those supporting it, including former NFL player Aaron Maybin, health professionals and community leaders.

The bill would “require warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages on advertisements, restaurant menus, and in any point of sale in the city where these products are sold.

“Sugar-sweetened beverages contain added caloric sweetener, such as soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, most juices, sweetened coffee drinks, sweetened teas, etc.,” it stated.

If enacted, “Baltimore would become the second jurisdiction in the country, and the first on the East Coast, to require warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages.”

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/penny-starr/baltimore-officials-press-warning-labels-sugary-drinks