Establishes nutrition standards for all food and beverages offered in county-contracted vending machines in county facilities and offices (unless exempted by the Board of Supervisors). Standards address fat, sodium, calories, trans fat, and added sugars.
Refers to rising obesity rates for children. § 3.115.
Purpose statement refers to obesity and poor nutrition as being among "the leading causes of chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stoke, and cancer, and are major drivers of the escalating health care costs." Purpose of the policy is to See, e.g., references to "obesity," "diabetes," "healthy foods," and "health outcomes." Purpose of the policy "is to encourage healthier diets by increasing access to healthy food and beverages and reducing access to unhealthy food and beverage options" for employees and the public. Policy introduction states "County employees who purchase items from vending machines [] will be positively impacted by the policy by having a broad range of healthier foods and beverages from which to choose."
This finding is stated within the "purpose" statement: "obesity rates are rising in the county among both children and adults. Obesity and poor nutrition are among the leading causes of chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stoke, and cancer, and are major drivers of the escalating health care costs. The abundance of inexpensive low-nutrient, calorie-dense food and beverages in community and work environments are important contributors to unhealthy dietary practices." § 3.115.
"The purpose of the County of Los Angeles Vending Machine Nutrition Policy is to encourage healthier diets by increasing access to healthy food and beverages and reducing access to unhealthy food and beverage options for County employees and the public at County facilities." § 3.115.
The Department of Public Health is to have a list of sample food and beverages that meet the policy standards. § 3.115.
"DPH is asked to periodically monitor the implementation and impact of the policy by collecting data (e.g. food production, sales records, nutritional analysis) to assess the nutritional content of foods and beverages and show consumption trends. DPH will report back to the Board of Supervisors annually." § 3.115.
Section 3.115 (County of Los Angeles Vending Machine Nutrition Policy) is located in Chapter 3 (Administration and General Government). History: August 8, 2006, Board Order 25; February 17, 2009, Board Order 6; August 18, 2009, Board Order 2.