WASHINGTON – American Beverage President and CEO Kevin Keane today released the following statement after West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed HB 2354, a law banning widely used and safe food colors and ingredients in the state:

“West Virginia families will face higher food prices and a scarcity of available products in stores because this law effectively outlaws 60% of grocery store food items. West Virginians will be left with fewer choices because of what politicians in Charleston decided without any sound science behind them. Many good jobs will be lost. Businesses will close.

“HB 2354 was rushed through the legislative process without adequate analysis or stakeholder input. The result is predictable: a simplistic measure that fails to address the roots of complex public health issues. The law may be well-intentioned but make no mistake – it will create real harm for West Virginians, workers and businesses.

“This is a disappointing law that will have profound economic impacts on the non-alcoholic beverage industry – an economic sector that sustains 1,800 jobs and contributes $1.7 billion annually to the state’s economy.

“For more than 100 years, our iconic American brands have been producing refreshing beverages that Americans know, love and trust. Every ingredient on our product labels has been reviewed and approved by leading regulatory agencies worldwide, including in the U.S., Canada and the E.U., and all our ingredients have consistently been proven safe.”

###

 

PDF Version