Committee advances bill to require added‑sugar warning icons on chain-restaurant beverage menus

Sen. Weber Pearson urged the committee to approve SB 869, saying the bill "takes a practical and balanced approach" that focuses disclosure requirements on large chains and keeps products legal and available. The measure would require chain restaurants (20 or more locations) to display an added‑sugar warning icon next to beverages that contain at least 100% of the recommended daily value for added sugar and to provide a brief factual statement explaining the symbol.

Judith Gutierrez, state government relations director for the American Heart Association, told the committee that restaurant beverages can exceed the recommended 50‑gram daily limit and that better point‑of‑purchase information would help consumers. "This bill takes an important step towards improving the dietary environment for Californians," Gutierrez said. Sherry Gonzales of the American Diabetes Association also urged support, highlighting testimony that a single sugary beverage "increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by 26 percent."

The California Restaurant Association opposed the bill unless amended, raising operational concerns about menu space and, critically, drive‑through implementation. Matt Sutton said the industry "don't disagree on the policy" but urged additional time to settle on a workable method and noted that QR codes or off‑menu centralization may not be effective at the drive through. Sen. Weber Pearson acknowledged the drive‑through challenge and said her office was continuing to negotiate a workable solution before the bill reaches the floor.

The committee advanced SB 869 on the consent calendar with recorded exceptions noted for some members; the author said she would continue working with opponents on implementation details before floor consideration.