Maryland county exec vetoes nutrition-standards bill

Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman Monday vetoed a bill that would have placed restrictions on food and beverages sold in vending machines on county property.

The bill, which was introduced by County Councilman Calvin Ball in May, tabled by the council and then passed July 6 in an amended form, would have also mandated guidelines on packaged food and beverage items served or sold as part of youth-oriented county government programs.

Ball said four out of five members supported healthier options.

"It's unclear why the county executive would now veto after not having any conversations with me about his concerns. However If he is serious about a comprehensive strategy, the county council is looking to collaborate and work with him," Ball said.

Under the amended bill, at least half the food and beverages sold in vending machines on county property must be healthy. The bill also placed limits on sodium, calories and saturated fat.

Health advocates like Nikki Highsmith-Vernick of Horizon Foundation said the bill was a step in the right direction to help conquer childhood obesity.

According to a Howard County health survey, one in two county residents are overweight or obese. One in 10 county parents said they were told by a doctor that their child should lose weight.

"All we're asking is that there are healthy options available and that parents can make healthy choices for their kids. When parents are not there, healthy options should be available," Highsmith-Vernick said.

Kittleman said nutritional preferences do not belong in Howard County’s code because these standards evolve over time.

"This bill is an ineffective and unnecessary intrusion on personal responsibility and freedom. I trust Howard County residents and employees to make their own decisions regarding what they eat and drink," Kittleman said in a statement.