WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Restaurant Association commended the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee for the May 25 approval of H.R. 554, the "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act," sponsored by Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL).
According to a news release, the bill would prevent unscrupulous attorneys from targeting restaurants and the food industry with frivolous lawsuits based on the cause of obesity. The bill is now slated for a vote by the full House.
"Our industry is grateful for the efforts of Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Rep. Ric Keller and other members of the committee to move this legislation forward and we urge both the House and Senate to pass this common-sense, bi-partisan bill," said National Restaurant Association president and chief executive officer Steven C. Anderson. "Obesity is a complex issue and limiting personal choices through litigation is a misguided approach."
Recent polls have indicated that nearly nine in 10 Americans believe that the food industry should not be sued for issues related to obesity.
"Frivolous lawsuits do nothing to solve the problem of obesity or convey the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle," said Anderson. "They further the notion that someone else is responsible for each of our own actions and choices."
User Comments