"A measure to require sugary soft drinks to carry labels warning of obesity, diabetes and tooth decay advanced in the California state legislature on Friday, the latest move by lawmakers nationwide aimed at persuading people to drink less soda.

The legislation, if enacted, would put California, which banned sodas and junk food from public schools in 2005, in the vanguard of a growing national movement to curb the consumption of high-calorie beverages medical experts say are largely to blame for an epidemic of childhood obesity.

"This is a major victory for public health advocates, community groups, physicians, and dentists,' said Democratic state senator Bill Monning, author of the bill. "By informing consumer choice, we can improve the health of Californians.'"

"Jennifer Chaussee reports for Reuters May 24, 2014. [2]