California would become the first state to require warning labels on sodas and other sugary drinks under a proposal in the state Legislature.
Democratic Sen. William Monning has the support of several medical groups for the bill he announced Thursday.
It would require the warning on the front of beverage containers with added sweeteners that have 75 or more calories in every 12 ounces. The label would say that drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
A similar bill introduced last year in Vermont is stuck in a committee.
Monning says there's overwhelming research showing the link between sugary drinks and health problems.
The industry says drink bottles already are sufficiently labeled, with calorie counts, contents and nutritional information. It says most sugar comes from food.
© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
