Americans Unite Against Obesity Lawsuits: "Cheeseburger Bill" Gains Momentum

In a landmark move to protect restaurants and food service companies from frivolous litigation, the U.S. House of Representatives is poised to vote on the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act. Dubbed the "Cheeseburger Bill" by opponents, the legislation aims to shield the food industry from lawsuits blaming them for Americans' weight gain. This bill enjoys widespread support from the nation's statehouses, with over 20 state legislatures passing or considering similar laws. In Georgia, the House of Representatives voted unanimously (169-0), while in Florida, the vote was 112 to 1. The Center for Consumer Freedom, a nonprofit coalition supporting restaurants, food companies, and consumers, is a key advocate for this bill, citing public opposition to obesity lawsuits as frivolous and financially motivated.

Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. House of Representatives is voting on the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, also known as the "Cheeseburger Bill".
• The bill aims to protect restaurants and food service companies from frivolous obesity lawsuits.
• Over 20 state legislatures have passed or are considering similar legislation.
• In Georgia, the House of Representatives voted unanimously (169-0) to pass a similar bill, while in Florida, the vote was 112 to 1.
• John "Sue the Bastards" Banzhaf, a trial lawyer, is planning to "sue [food companies] and sue them and sue them."
• The Center for Consumer Freedom, a nonprofit coalition, is advocating for the bill, highlighting public opposition to obesity lawsuits as frivolous and financially motivated.
• American consumers believe that obesity is a matter of personal responsibility, not the fault of food providers.

Statistics:

• 20 state legislatures have passed or are considering similar bills to the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act.
• The Georgia House of Representatives voted 169-0 in favor of a similar bill, while the Florida House of Representatives voted 112 to 1.

Sources:

• Washington PR Newswire, March 10
• The Center for Consumer Freedom
• Center for Consumer Freedom Executive Director Richard Berman