Milk or water? Gov. Brown signs law limiting soda and juice in kids’ meals

Milk or water will be the default drink sold with kids’ meals in California.

A law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown doesn’t ban restaurants or fast-food chains from selling soda or juice with children’s meals. But it says only milk; a non-dairy milk alternative; or sparkling, still or flavored water can be handed out as default and advertised on the menu.

Democratic Sen. Bill Monning says his bill aims to combat diabetes, obesity and other health problems in California.

“All the white hats in public health supported this legislation. Plus we got bipartisan support, not unanimous, but we had democrats and republicans both supporting this,” said Senator Bill Monning.

However, Republican lawmakers who opposed the bill say it represents government overreach.

Some parents also don’t think they should be told what to give their parents.

“I think it’s the parent’s responsibility for when they take them to a restaurant to make the right choices for their kids,” said Salinas resident Hanna Brittan.

Multiple large fast-food chains such as Subway and Jack in the Box have already jumped onboard and currently have eliminated sweetened beverages from their kid’s menus.

“What we know is preventable type two diabetes, the leading source of increase caloric intake by children is sugar sweetened beverages, said Monning.

The law will take effect Jan. 1