House Approves Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act

October 19, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve legislation that limits the potential for frivolous lawsuits against the food industry. The Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act of 2005, H.R. 554, was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support, 306-120.

"In today’s warped legal system, it’s possible for someone to sue the Girl Scouts for the effects of eating their cookies, or McDonald’s for the effects of years of consuming Egg McMuffins," Dreier said. "Simply put - that doesn’t make sense. This legislation seeks to put a stop to frivolous lawsuits like these and restore some common sense to our legal system. It should be obvious that the food industry isn’t responsible for the eating habits of individuals. But it’s not to some. This bill is a necessary step toward stopping this phenomenon before it gets any more out of control, and at the same time protect consumers."

H.R. 554 prohibits individuals from bringing a lawsuit in a state or Federal court against manufacturers, distributors, sellers, marketers, and advertisers of any food product, as well as the trade associations that represent them, if that person is seeking damages related to obesity or weight gain. However, the bill ensures that people can still bring legitimate cases against companies if they violate contracts or warranties, mislabel their products, or if their products cause consumers to become ill.