"HAPPY MEAL" BILL PASSES THE SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE

(Albany, NY) - State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Ranker of the New York State Senate Health Committee, released the following statement today after bill S779, also known as the "Happy Meal Bill", passed the Senate Health Committee. The "Happy Meal" bill, which is sponsored by Senator Rivera in the Senate and Assemblymember Felix Ortiz in the Assembly, sets nutritional standards for restaurants distributing incentive items aimed at children. The bill has now been referred to the Senate Codes Committee.
 
"Today, we took a step forward in directly combating the obesity epidemic that continues to affect the lives of millions of children throughout New York State. As the Ranking Member of the Health Committee and the sponsor of this bill, I'm proud that my colleagues joined me in pushing this bill towards the next step of the legislative process. By setting statewide nutritional guidelines for foods that are accompanied by toys, we are ensuring our children are able to make healthy food choices without any misguided influence, while holding restaurants accountable. I am fully committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to ensure that we pass this piece of legislation and continue to make fighting obesity a priority."

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