National Restaurant Association Applauds House Passage of Bill Preventing Abusive Lawsuits Targeting Food Industry

20 October 2005

The National Restaurant Association today commended the House of Representatives for passing H.R. 554, the "Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act," in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 307-119. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL), would prevent frivolous obesity-related lawsuits that hold food companies liable for an individual's obesity or obesity-related health claims. A similar bill passed the House last year.

"Today's action by the House of Representatives emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and that frivolous litigation is not a solution to addressing the complex issue of obesity," said National Restaurant Association President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson. "Holding restaurants and food companies legally responsible for choices all of us freely make each day such as what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat, is irrational.

"We commend Rep. Ric Keller for introducing this common-sense, bipartisan legislation that will block the tactics of unscrupulous attorneys attempting to abuse the judicial system at the expense of restaurant operators, who are the hardest working people we have in the country." A vast majority of Americans agree that the food industry is not to blame for obesity.

According to a Gallup poll, nearly 90 percent of Americans believe that the food industry should not be blamed for issues related to obesity and overweight. While H.R. 554 blocks frivolous obesity suits, it will not protect businesses that violate the law or serve adulterated food products.

The nation's 900,000 restaurants have long provided and will continue to offer a wide variety of choices and options that meet any individual's dietary needs. Dietary experts agree that all foods can be part of a healthy lifestyle, which can best be attained through energy balance, moderation and personal responsibility. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's modernized food guidance pyramid emphasizes the need for nutritional education and regular physical activity to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about the National Restaurant Association and the restaurant industry's proactive commitment to healthy lifestyles, please visit http://www.restaurant.org.

The National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 900,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 12.2 million employees -- making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. Along with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry.

Source: U.S.Newswire

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