Can I sue dairy farmers for my 10 pounds? Not if the ‘cheeseburger bill’ passesA bill is making its way through the state legislature that would protect restaurants and food manufacturers from lawsuits alleging their products caused obesity or weight-related conditions.The attempt to prevent such frivolous lawsuits has been appropriately labeled the "Cheeseburger Bill."While it’s unclear whether any such lawsuits have been successful in Minnesota courtrooms, the obesity allegations are getting louder.… And even the fast-food restaurants are responding with healthier menu choices.Rep. Doug Magnus, who is co-authoring the bill, warns that "only one successful obesity lawsuit would trigger a chain reaction starting on the farm or field where a food is produced and ending in the pocketbook of Minnesotans who dine out."While the McDonald’s and Burger Kings of the world don’t necessarily need protection, the bill aims to protect average restaurants and food makers. Any legal damage awards would take a bite out of small profit margins, forcing owners to pass the costs down to consumers.On one hand, the legislation itself is somewhat frivolous. I’d like to believe Minnesotans have more common sense than to sue a restaurant for making them fat.I gained 10 pounds over the winter partly from too much creamer in my coffee and too much butter on my toast. Does this mean I can sue Coffee-mate and Land O’ Lakes? What about dairy farmers? It’s no fun to admit I’ve overindulged, so it’s easier to blame the ones producing the rich, obesity-causing stuff. The common sense response is to cut back on creamer and butter and put a few more miles on my running shoes.Unfortunately, we’re seeing a lot less common sense today and a lot more attorneys when it comes to personal accountability.It’s too bad our legislators even need to work on "Cheeseburger Bills," but it’s even worse that our courtrooms are seeing these types of legal cases.Cheeseburgers are like ice cream and chocolate bars. They’re little indulgences to enjoy in small doses. If you develop a steady diet of them you can expect to get fat. Don’t blame the restaurants or food makers.The bill has made its way through House committees and will soon be debated on the House floor.
