An Inventory of Proposed and Enacted Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Policies at the State, Local, and Tribal Levels in the United States, 2014‒2023

Am J Public Health. 2024 Dec;114(12):1344-1353. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2024.307855. Epub 2024 Oct 17.

Abstract

Objectives. To inventory and describe trends in proposal and enactment of US sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) policies at state, local, and Tribal levels, 2014-2023. Methods. We systematically searched 6 policy databases in 2021 (updated May 2023) using SSB-related search terms, identifying additional policies through snowball and online searches and a survey of food-policy experts. We reviewed 10 821 policies for inclusion and quantitatively coded included policies. Results. The inventory included 400 (321 unique [i.e., excluding companion]) policies meeting criteria: 335 (256 unique) state-, 63 local-, and 2 Tribal-level policies. From 2014 to 2023, 11% of unique state-, 92% of local-, and 100% of Tribal-level proposed policies were enacted. Across jurisdictions, the most frequently proposed policies related to excise taxes, restaurant children's meals, nutrition standards, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while the largest proportions of enacted policies related to restaurant children's meals, nutrition standards, education, and procurement. More policies were proposed and enacted in California and New York than other states, and in 2017 (proposed) and 2016 (enacted). Conclusions. This comprehensive inventory of US SSB policies provides information to inform future SSB policy development and diffusion. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(12):1344-1353. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307855).

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Nutrition Policy* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • State Government
  • Sugar-Sweetened Beverages* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Taxes / legislation & jurisprudence
  • United States