Statewide Poll Finds 74-percent of Californians Support Such a Ban
Sacramento - The Governor has signed AB 688, legislation authored by Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) that prohibits stores from selling expired infant food and formula and over-the-counter medication that has lost important nutritional or pharmaceutical benefits.
"As a father of two young sons, I know how important it is for working families to trust that the food they buy for their infants is safe and nutritious," Dr. Pan said. "Many parents don't know it is legal for stores to market and sell expired baby food, and as a pediatrician I find this very concerning. I introduced AB 688 so that infants have the nourishment they need for healthy physical and mental development, and I am thankful the Governor has signed this bill into law."
"On behalf of my son Kai, and my entire family, I would like to thank the Governor for signing AB 688," said Woodland parent Dale Proctor, whose son Kai became ill after consuming baby food bought past its expiration date. "Finding jar after jar of expired baby food on the shelves of my local supermarket was an eye opener for me as a father and a consumer. This common sense measure will protect our children by ensuring only safe, nutritious baby food is being advertised and sold in California."
"For their health and well-being, seniors all across California take many non-prescription drugs like aspirin, cold medication and vitamins," said Hene Kelly, Legislative Director for the California Alliance for Retired Americans. "AB 688 ensures that all California stores have only safe and effective OTC drugs on their shelves."
"AB 688 is a common sense law that protects the most vulnerable Californians - the very young and the ill," said Richard Holober, Executive Director of AB 688 sponsor Consumer Federation of California. "We thank Governor Brown for assuring that our food and medications are safe and effective."
The presence of expired baby food and over-the-counter drugs on store shelves has been a long standing issue in California. As a result of Governor Jerry Brown's 2008 undercover investigation as Attorney General, numerous expired products were discovered on the shelves of retail stores across southern California, resulting in a settlement with Brown's office in June of 2009. Television station News 10 in San Diego led a similar investigation that also identified these expired products on the shelves of major retailers. AB 688 prohibits the sale of infant formula and baby food past the use by date, and over-the-counter drugs past the expiration date.
A statewide poll recently found that 74-percent of respondents support such a ban, only 15-percent oppose and 11-percent are undecided. The poll was conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Mets & Associates. The poll surveyed 443 voters in California who are likely to vote in the November 2012 general election.
Dr. Richard Pan is a father, pediatrician, educator, small business owner and first-term Assemblymember who lives in Sacramento. He also represents the Cities of Citrus Heights and Folsom and surrounding areas.
CONTACT: Brian O'Hara (916) 319-2005
