Grocery shoppers in Perris, California will no longer be tempted by Snickers and Slim Jims at the cash register. Perris has become the second city in the nation to require healthier food and drink options at supermarket checkout lanes.
The new rules were approved unanimously by the City Council. They require food retailers to swap sodas, chips, and cookies with healthier options like fruit, nuts, water and low-calories drinks. The ordinance takes effect July 1.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) as well as several youth and community organizations supported the policy. It follows a similar ordinance passed by Berkeley in 2021.
“The city of Perris is excited to join this initiative and help promote healthy food options in our community,” City Manager Clara Miramontes told Supermarket News. “We are committed to the long-term health and wellness of residents and look forward to successful results.”
Maybe they can get rid of the gossip rags too.