The sticky business of sugar-sweetened beverages will be the topic of an online panel discussion with California Assemblymember Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, and an expert from the University of California, Davis, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.

Bloom, who authored a bill to tax soda in California, and UC Davis Assistant Professor Jennifer Falbe will discuss health risks and the addictive nature of sugary drinks, how soda taxes fund critical public health programs, and the story of California’s fight against Big Soda.

The public is invited to join the Zoom discussion; register by noon on May 27 to receive the link. The hourlong session will include a question-and-answer period with the audience.

Falbe, who studies nutrition, human development and policy, led an evaluation of the nation’s first soda tax in Berkeley, which suggested that such taxes effectively reduce sugary drink consumption and help improve public health and health equity. Her research focuses on programmatic, policy and environmental interventions to prevent chronic disease and reduce health disparities.

Bloom, who was elected in 2012 to represent the state’s 50th District, was a three-time mayor of Santa Monica.

Researchers estimate that Americans consume nearly 40 gallons of sugar-sweetened beverages per capita annually, and evidence is growing that drinks such as soda are addictive.

The discussion is part of the Savor series, which explores some of the biggest food and beverage topics being studied today at UC Davis. The series is presented by the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science and the UC Davis Library.