News

U.S. House passes bill banning obesity lawsuits

October 18, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 307-119, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 554, a.k.a. the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, on Oct. 19.

According to a news release from the National Restaurant Association, the bill, sponsored by Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL), would prevent lawsuits against food companies for obesity-related claims. A similar bill passed the House last year.

"Today's action by the House of Representatives emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and that frivolous litigation is not a solution to addressing the complex issue of obesity," said NRA president and chief executive officer Steven C. Anderson. "Holding restaurants and food companies legally responsible for choices all of us freely make each day such as what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat, is irrational."

According to a Gallup poll, nearly 90 percent of Americans believe the food industry should not be blamed for issues related to obesity.