Obesity Lawsuits

Rep. Ric Keller (R-Florida) talked about a bill he sponsored, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, popularly known as the Cheeseburger Bill. He also responded to audience telephone calls, faxes, and email. The bill, introduced in response to lawsuits filed on behalf of obese individuals against restaurants, would protect “food manufacturers, marketers, distributors, advertisers, sellers, and trade associations” from being sued “for claims of injury relating to a person’s weight gain, obesity, or any health condition associated with weight gain or obesity.” Supporters of the bill argued that it would mandate personal responsibility, as well as prevent frivolous lawsuits, protect the jobs of food workers, and help keep food prices low. Opponents claimed that the bill was unnecessary, and worried that it could prevent legitimate lawsuits. close