As part of his ongoing efforts for tort reform, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey today voted for the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, which passed the House, 276-139.

“We know there are foods that aren’t healthy; we know that some foods will make you put on weight,” Gingrey said. “We’re all responsible for our diets and this act will protect the restaurant industry – which employs 12 million Americans – from frivolous and costly lawsuits.

“We need to do a better job of monitoring our eating habits, but we also need to stay more physically active. We have a growing health problem with obesity in this country and the problem is growing among our children. They need physical education and they need to get outside and play.

 “Our nation will not conquer this challenge by destroying jobs in the restaurant industry.”

The Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act prohibits obesity or weight gain-related claims against the food service industry.  The bill also protects the food service industry –America’s largest private-sector employer – from the job-stifling costs of beefing up liability insurance and legal funds due to frivolous lawsuits filed by predatory lawyers. Below are some quick facts on the legislation:

ü      The food service industry – employing more than 12 million people – is America’s largest private sector employer.

ü      Trial lawyers have called the fast-food industry the next tobacco, estimating potential profits of $40 billion from obesity-related lawsuits.

ü      Almost 90 percent of Americans oppose holding restaurant owners responsible for the diet-related health problems of regular fast-food consumers (Gallup).

ü      Public schools are the next target for class action lawsuits, as trial lawyers look to put blame on food court vending machines for child obesity (Food litigation attorney John Banzhaf).