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Foodmakers may no longer be held responsible for consumer obesity

February 17, 2004
By: Matt Johnson
State Capital Bureau

Under proposed legislation, restaurant manufacturers and owners would no longer be held responsible in what lawmakers are calling frivilous lawsuits regarding obesity. Matt Johnson is at the state Capitol.

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The Common Sense Food Consumpiton Act prohibits those consumers concerned about their weight from filing lawsuits accusing restaurant owners and manufacturers of their wieght problem.

John Pelzer, lobbyist for the Missouri Restaurant Association says consumers aren't blaming their obesity on the restaurants.

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"We have heard ever since we came out with this legislation, from our members, from people across the board, saying...yeah I know I'm overweight, but it's not the resturants fault."

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Republican senator Chuck Gross says the bill is simple. Proponents of the bill have heard no opposition.

From the state Capitol, I'm Matt Johnson.


A new proposal would prohibit consumers concerned about their weight from filing lawsuits against food manufacturers. Matt Johnson is at the state Capitol.

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Supporters of the bill have heard little oppositon the the measure. Republican Representative Delbert Scott says the food manufacturers are not at fault.

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"Some foods make you fat...and foods that make you fat, if you eat enough of it, you hadn't ought to be suing the people that process the food."

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Supporters say lawsuits against the manufacturers are frivilous. The bill would not prohibit suits regarding the ingredients in food. Only suits regarding obesity would be banned.

From the state Capitol, I'm Matt Johnson.