Nutrition labels should be put on processed packaged foods that are highly unhealthy. Be it enacted by the youth

legislature of the state of Minnesota

 

The purpose of this bill is to provide consumers with the knowledge of what’s in their product so they can make an

informed decision. Manufacturers who sell packaged foods in Minnesota must have this label on the packaging of their

products and any food item imported for sale must have this. No seller can sell their products without this label.

 

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 1.9 million adults, or 33 percent of the population, have obesity.

The obesity rate is projected to increase by 46 percent by 2030. Rising obesity and its health risks have been a major

issue over the years, and one of the largest factors is processed foods. According to the AMA, processed foods are

associated with cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. According to a study conducted by

the National Library of Medicine, high consumption of ultra processed foods have been associated with a higher

prevalence of obesity in adults.

 

Highly processed food is food with more than one ingredient that is never or rarely found in the kitchen. They also tend

to include additives not usually in home cooking like preservatives and artificial colors. Packaged food is any food in

a container that is sold to consumers. This includes boxes or bags of food. Nutrition labels show the food’s nutritional

content such as calories, fat, sodium, and protein. Processed food is any food or drink that has been changed in some

way when it’s prepared.

 

The department of corrections may use existing health funds and will be assisted by the National Institutes of health

with 2 million dollars a year at minimum.

 

If this law is not upheld by businesses, cities, or countries a fine of 1,000 dollars will ensue. This process would be

either to hire a separate tax collector or use existing tax collecting structures. If the law is violated by the same

city, business, or country 3 times then the fine will increase 25 percent for further violations.

 

This will go into effect on January 1st 2026