Soda Warning-San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco supervisors have approved the inclusion of a health warning on ads for sugary sodas and some other drinks, saying such beverages contribute to obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

Observers believe San Francisco would be the first place in the country to require such a warning if it receives final approval.

The ordinance passed Tuesday would require the warnings on print advertising within city limits —billboards, walls, taxis and buses. It would not apply to ads appearing in newspapers, circulars, broadcast outlets or on the Internet.

The ordinance defines sugar-sweetened beverages as drinks with more than 25 calories from sweeteners per 12 ounces. Advertising for such drinks as Coca-Cola Zero would not require a warning, but ads for regular Coca-Cola would.

The ordinance also requires warnings for other sugary drinks such as sports and energy drinks, vitamin waters, iced teas and certain juices that exceed the 25 calorie limit.