Concerned about the government’s use of taxpayer dollars to attack legitimate foods and beverages and the businesses and employees that make them, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) is co-sponsoring legislation prohibiting the use of federal money to support media campaigns aimed at legal and safe foods and beverages.

The Protecting Foods and Beverages from Government Attack Act of 2012 (H.R. 3848) would specifically protect food and beverage marketing under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The legislation became necessary after about $230 million in stimulus grant money that was supposed to help create jobs actually ended up being used for ads that targeted America’s soft drink companies that employ thousands of people nationwide.

 “Both large and small food and beverage industries should not have to be concerned that their very own tax dollars are being used against them and the use of their products,” Luetkemeyer said. “Dietary choices should be a personal decision, made by individuals in consultation with a doctor or dietician.  While I believe people should lead healthy lifestyles, I do not believe that American taxpayers should be subsidizing campaigns that provide inaccurate and misleading information about products that we can enjoy safely and responsibly.”

The lead sponsor of the legislation is U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a Tennessee physician.