NJ A4153

Restaurants in New Jersey must include a healthy default beverage with children's meals, defined as water (plain, sparkling, or flavored without sweeteners), nonfat or 1% milk/non-dairy alternatives (max 130 calories per serving), or 100% fruit juice (max 8 ounces, no added sweeteners).

Parents may still request alternative beverages; the bill only regulates the default option automatically included with children's meal combos.

The legislation cites that 22.7% of New Jersey adolescents and 32.5% of children ages 2-4 in the WIC program are overweight or obese, with sugary drinks identified as the largest source of daily calories for American children ages 2-18.

The Commissioner of Health will adopt rules and regulations to enforce compliance.

Takes effect on the first day of the sixth month following enactment.