SB 869 Passes Committee Following Capitol Rally, Would Require High Added Sugar Label for Drinks on Restaurant Menus
Sacramento, CA — Today, Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. (D-San Diego), joined by the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, rallied at the California State Capitol today in support of Senate Bill 869, legislation that would require restaurant menus to clearly label beverages containing more than 50 percent of the recommended daily value for added sugar.
Following the morning press conference held on the West Steps during the American Heart Association’s Advocacy Day, SB 869 successfully passed out of Senate Health Committee, pushing forward the effort to give consumers better insight into what’s in the beverages they drink.
SB 869 aims to increase transparency for consumers by ensuring that high added sugar beverages are clearly identified on restaurant menus, helping individuals and families make more informed choices and better understand the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, including diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
“As a physician, I have seen the devastating impact that excessive sugar consumption can have on individuals and families,” said Senator Weber Pierson. “SB 869 is a simple but powerful step toward transparency, giving people the information they need to make healthier choices and helping prevent chronic diseases before they start. This is about protecting public health and ensuring every Californian has the tools to live a healthier life.”
Health advocates and medical professionals emphasized that many beverages marketed or perceived as routine choices can contain excessive amounts of added sugar, often exceeding daily recommended limits in a single serving. By requiring clear labeling, SB 869 seeks to close the information gap and support healthier decision-making at the point of purchase.
“Senate Bill 869 is an important step toward improving the dietary environment for Californians,” said Dr. Arthur Jey, Emergency Room physician and local American Heart Association volunteer. “As a physician, I’ve seen how excess added sugar can negatively impact long-term health. Clear menu icons can provide transparency at the point of choice, helping families make more informed decisions and reduce their risk of chronic disease.”
“People don’t need perfection handed to them—they need honesty and transparency,” said Christine Fallabel, Director of Government Affairs for the American Diabetes Association. “When we know what’s inside the drinks we consume, we are empowered to make choices that our best for us. We can actively choose, not guess. Transparency isn’t about restriction, it’s about respect. And respect is what turns small, informed choices into lasting, healthier lives.”
SB 869 now moves forward in the legislative process as part of ongoing efforts to address chronic disease prevention and promote health equity across California.
For more information about this bill or to request an interview, please contact Albert Parnell at Albert.Parnell@sen.ca.gov or 916-651-4039.
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Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. represents California's 39th Senate District, which includes portions of San Diego County, the cities of Coronado, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, as well as portions of the City of San Diego. Senator Weber Pierson is a board-certified OB/GYN and serves as the chair of the Senate Health Committee.