The Conversation: State Ordered Warnings Generate Mixed Results– by Dan Morain at The Sacramento Bee

Posted: 04/29/2012  browse the blog archive
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/29/4449484/state-ordered-warnings-generate...

 

Ira Reiner vaguely remembers the ballot measure he helped champion 25 years ago, back when he was a politician on the rise and groundwater contamination was the crisis of the day.

Proposition 65? Isn’t that the one responsible for all those signs that warn anyone who dares enter various premises to beware? the former Los Angeles district attorney asked.

That’s the one.

It has done more than require warnings, plenty of it good. Just last month, Coca-Cola and Pepsi announced that they would reduce levels of one of those unpronounceable chemicals, 4-methylimidazole, in their sodas rather than comply with California’s nettlesome warning requirement. Not that 4-methyl-whatever could cause harm, the companies hastened to add.

Proposition 65 has prompted other manufacturers to remove lead from ceramics and candy, arsenic from bottled water, and acrylamide from potato chips and French fries. It also has put money into the pockets of lawyers who have found a lucrative niche by suing companies that fail to comply with warning provisions.

Proposition 65 has become a prime example of a ballot measure badly in need of an overhaul. But because voters approved it, the law is almost impossible to change in any significant way

Excerpted from the full article at the Sacramento Bee:

Ira Reiner vaguely remembers the ballot measure he helped champion 25 years ago, back when he was a politician on the rise and groundwater contamination was the crisis of the day.

"Proposition 65? Isn’t that the one responsible for all those signs that warn anyone who dares enter various premises to beware?" the former Los Angeles district attorney asked.

That’s the one.

It has done more than require warnings, plenty of it good. Just last month, Coca-Cola and Pepsi announced that they would reduce levels of one of those unpronounceable chemicals, 4-methylimidazole, in their sodas rather than comply with California’s nettlesome warning requirement. Not that 4-methyl-whatever could cause harm, the companies hastened to add.

Proposition 65 has prompted other manufacturers to remove lead from ceramics and candy, arsenic from bottled water, and acrylamide from potato chips and French fries. It also has put money into the pockets of lawyers who have found a lucrative niche by suing companies that fail to comply with warning provisions.

Proposition 65 has become a prime example of a ballot measure badly in need of an overhaul. But because voters approved it, the law is almost impossible to change in any significant way. link to source.