Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2026 (S. 5026)

Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2026

This bill requires health warnings on labels and in advertisements for food and beverages that are sweetened, processed, or contain a high level of certain nutrients of concern, and it prohibits specifically advertising such products to children. It also expands research and outreach on proper nutrition.

The bill requires various Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings on labels for (1) sugar-sweetened beverages, (2) food and beverages with non-sugar sweeteners, and (3) ultra-processed food and beverages. These warnings must contain specified information regarding the risks of developing certain health conditions (e.g., diabetes); warnings for sweetened food and beverages must specifically say that these products are not recommended for children. If a food or beverage contains a nutrient of concern (e.g., added sugar, saturated fat, or sodium) at a level that poses health risks, its label must indicate that the product is high in the relevant nutrient.

Additionally, the bill prohibits marketing or advertising these products to children under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which is primarily enforced by the FDA. Further, marketing or advertising these products to children, or without including the required warnings, is considered an unfair or deceptive trade practice that is subject to action by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The bill specifically restores the FTC's statutory authority to regulate advertising targeting children. (This authority was limited in 1980.)

Finally, the bill expands research on nutrition science and requires a public education campaign about nutrition and exercise.