Bill > S1938

This bill requires restaurants to offer healthier beverage options as the default choice with meals specifically designed for children, aiming to combat rising childhood obesity rates linked to sugary drinks. A "children's meal" is defined as a food and drink combination sold together for children, and the "default beverage" is what's automatically included unless the customer requests something else. The approved default beverages are water (including sparkling or flavored water without added sweeteners), nonfat or low-fat milk (or non-dairy alternatives) with no more than 130 calories per serving, or 100% fruit juice mixed with water or carbonated water, without added sweeteners, and limited to an eight-ounce serving. Importantly, restaurants can still sell or offer other beverages alongside these healthier default options, and the bill also outlines the process for adopting rules and regulations to enforce these new requirements, which will take effect six months after enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1938