Chicago eating places will likely be required to solely market “wholesome drinks” with children’ meals throughout the town, in keeping with a brand new ordinance from Metropolis Council.
At a Metropolis Council assembly Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Division of Public Well being launched the laws, which requires that strictly wholesome, non-sugary drinks be paired with children’ meals at eating places.
“Kids don’t want advertising that encourages unhealthy conduct—and oldsters
don’t want further strain to serve their children unhealthy meals,” Lightfoot mentioned in a launch. “By banning such advertising whereas defending parental alternative, this ordinance will assist empower mother and father to make the suitable alternative for his or her households.”
Below the ordinance, beverage requirements enable for unsweetened nonetheless or glowing water; 100% fruit or vegetable juice; or dairy and non-dairy milks that meet a calorie necessities in children’ meals.
The ordinance famous that oldsters might ask for sugary drinks as an alternative of the choices provided, which was meant to protect client alternative. The brand new laws will allow native implementation of the Serve Children Higher Act.
In response to Chicago well being officers, the ordinance goals to fight citywide elevated sugar consumption, particularly amongst Black and Latino kids, which they mentioned results in tooth decay and weight acquire.
“The outcome over time may be elevated power illness, the largest reason for the nine-year life expectancy hole between Black and White Chicagoans,” a launch mentioned.
