News

Long Island legislature to vote on vending machine restrictions today

July 29, 2014

Today Long Island's Suffolk County Legislature will vote on a bill that would mandate two-thirds of vending machine snacks contain less than 10 grams of sugar, according to Vending Marketwatch. An earlier version of the bill restricted all snacks to the specified grams of sugar. 

"Obesity is an epidemic throughout the United States among both children and adults. Improving the food offerings available at county facilities will also showcase our vibrant local farming community, expose residents to local and local organic foods and produce and contribute to the improvement of Long Island’s economy," reads the section sponsored by Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) in the article.

The proposal mandates that water fill two slots near eye level, the best-selling spaces.

Other considerations on the table:

• Beverages with more than 25 calories per eight-ounces are limited to two machine slots. 
• Snacks must not contain trans-fat.
• Each item is restricted to 250 calories.

Legislators have expressed concern about overregulation of vending machines.

"I think government goes a little too far when it starts dictating what food people can and can’t eat," said Legislator Tom Cilmi (R-East Islip).

If approved, the measures are limited to new and renewing contracts and will not be applied immediately, the article said.