S. 5026 Reported by committee Health

Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act of 2026

A bill to require warning labels on sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, foods and beverages containing high-intensity sweeteners, ultra-processed foods, and foods high in nutrients of concern, such as added sugar, saturated fat, or sodium, to restrict junk food advertising to children.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT] Introduced July 16, 2026 Cosponsors 0 Latest action July 28, 2026

Summary

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jul 28, 2026 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 531.
  2. Jul 28, 2026 Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
  3. Jul 22, 2026 Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
  4. Jul 16, 2026 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  5. Jul 16, 2026 Introduced in Senate

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