US Senate GOP shows ties to food giants

Senate bill would protect food industry from obesity lawsuits Trial lawyers oppose measure Thursday, July 17, 2003 Posted: 5:46 PM EDT (2146 GMT) The food industry is lobbying for a bill that would protect it from obesity lawsuits. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Story Tools -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WASHINGTON (AP) -- If too many burgers and fries have left your waistline super-sized, don't expect a sweet pay-off in court, senators said Thursday. A bill would prevent people from suing restaurants and food manufacturers for making them fat. "I think it's important not to blame poor eating habits on someone else," said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, and the sponsor of the bill. The measure would block lawsuits related to obesity or weight gain, but not suits charging other kinds of injury or fraud. It is similar to one already introduced in the House. The House held a hearing last month on the relatively new legal trend in which consumers are suing fast food chains like McDonald's and arguing that the food contributed to their obesity. McConnell, the GOP whip, predicted an uphill battle getting the measure through the Senate. The Association of Trial Lawyers of America opposes the bill, while the food industry has lobbied for it. Both are big campaign donors. The trial lawyers group contributed $4.2 million to federal campaigns and political parties in the last election cycle, with 91 percent going to Democrats, according to the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics. Restaurants and bars contributed $7 million, with 77 percent going to Republicans. Food manufacturers gave $3.3 million, with 86 percent going to Republicans. McConnell's bill would help at least one company in his home state. Louisville-based Yum! Brands, Inc., owns Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC.