Washington, DC – The Center for Consumer Freedom wishes the nation a guilt-free Halloween filled with candy bars, caramel apples, popcorn balls, lollipops, and all the treats of the holiday. Because of a ghoulish group of trial lawyers seeking to make obesity lawsuits their next cash cow, those handing candy out to the neighborhood kids might consider having the costumed cadre sign a legal waiver – our Halloween Liability and Indemnification Agreement.
This indemnification includes an agreement not to haul treat-dispensers into court on the basis of:
- Failure to provide nutritional information;
- Failure to warn of potential for overeating because candy tastes too good and is provided at no cost;
- Failure to offer healthier alternatives including, but not limited to, soy-based or sugar-free treats;
- Failure to provide information about other venues serving alternative, healthier, Halloween treats; and
- Failure to warn that eating may lead to obesity.
With this waiver, Halloween treaters can keep the trickster food police at the Center for Science in the Public Interest off their front porch. They can also protect themselves from lawsuits filed by attorneys dressed up as concerned citizens, who threaten to sue restaurants, food companies, school boards, doctors, and even parents for the nation’s extra pounds.
During this season when food cops, public health zealots, and trial lawyers are promoting hysteria about the nation’s expanding waistline, the Center for Consumer Freedom believes that Halloween should remain a holiday for wearing costumes, carving jack-o-lanterns, and indulging in candy.
“You should be able to hand out as much candy as you want to the masked masses without being sued,” said Center for Consumer Freedom senior analyst Dan Mindus. “With this signed form, you can keep the trial lawyers lurking in the shadows, not screaming bloody murder about sugary treats. That’s something we can all enjoy this Halloween.”
