News

Strict Utah Senate measure would ban obesity lawsuits

February 17, 2004

SALT LAKE CITY—Utahns claiming fast food made them fat wouldn't be able to sue restaurants that serve it under a bill proposed by Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Senate Bill 214 would give Utah restaurants, grocery stores, food manufacturers and distributors immunity against claims from people who say their products lead to weight gain.

After hearing some opposition, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday advanced the bill to the full Senate.

Stephenson said he introduced the legislation because of growing attacks in the courts on restaurants and food manufacturers.

"It's a groundswell we want to nip in the bud," he said, adding that what people eat is their personal responsibility.

Nationwide, no plaintiff has won an obesity-related lawsuit against a restaurant, and no such claims have been filed in Utah, according to lawmakers. However, restaurant industry representatives say companies have to spend thousands of dollars to defend those lawsuits.

"It's time-consuming and costly, creating a hardship on the industry," said Melva Sine, president of the Utah Restaurant Association.

Brian King, a member of the Utah Trial Lawyers Association, acknowledged that obesity lawsuits against restaurants are generally frivolous but said SB214 goes too far.

"Whenever you have a bill that immunizes one industry, it sets a terrible precedent," he said.

To read about PizzaMarketplace's efforts to support national legislation against obesity-related lawsuits, read PizzaMarketplace launches petition drive to support anti-obesity lawsuit legislation.