By JESSICA HULETT
Daily News Staff Writer
The Michigan House has approved a bill prohibiting frivolous lawsuits against the foodservice industry by people with obesity-related health problems.
Rep. David Palsrok, R-Manistee, introduced the bill, which emphasizes the personal responsibility of consumers regarding their eating habits.
“We want to create some awareness for people who are obese or who are struggling with obesity,” Palsrok said. “It’s all about personal responsibility — let’s not blame others, let’s look at our own eating habits and our own exercise.”
No such lawsuits have been filed in Michigan, but last summer there were two cases filed against restaurants in New York.
“It’s a preemptive measure by lawmakers,” said Kristyn Sorensen, spokeswoman for the Michigan Restaurant Association. “Those lawsuits could wreak havoc on our industry.
“The food service industry is about choices; if lawsuits made it a liability to sell a fudge sundae, there would be less choices.”
The MRA supports the bill as protection of the more than 20,000 restaurants in Michigan and the 350,000 foodservice jobs in the state.
Many restaurants have added low-carb and low-fat choices to their menus, a move that Palsrok said helps the bill and responds to customer demand.
“In the last three or four years, a low-carb diet is pretty revolutionary; companies now have very healthy alternatives,” he said. “I eat out a lot, so that’s difficult, but there are obviously choices.
“We hope people pick the right ones.”
Similar legislation has been introduced in 25 other states and has been signed into law in Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and Washington.
“People could still sue if a fast food restaurant is doing something malicious,” Palsrok said. “But it does raise standards.
“In a lot of ways, our society is getting away from personal responsibility — I think that’s common sense and you can’t really legislate common sense.” | 
