Several nations may levy sugar tax this year as they consider measures to battle obesity

 

Many countries are considering measures like tax on sweetened food and drinks to battle obesity and this year could be the one when many nations could be seen levying sugar tax. This would certainly be a great new for public health advocates, who for past so many years have been raising their voices against growing obesity epidemic that has increased incidents of heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses.

Many Scandinavian countries were having such taxes with varying level of success. In 2012, France and Hungary have joined the list and latest is Mexico, which has made entry in 2014. Lately, it has been seen that the move is becoming more widespread, as countries are preparing to give stiff fight to obesity and new generation is more concerned about health.

Now, India, the Philippines and Indonesia have also started studying the levies and last year, Britain has discussed the matter in parliament. Kelly Brownell, dean of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy in North Carolina, said, “This puts political leaders in a stronger position to enact policies such as taxes because the companies aren’t considered unbreakable”.

Mexico has shown a divided opinion given the fact that popularity of the soft drinks there. ICBA Executive Director Kate Loatman was of the view that the bottler association in Mexico has opposed the tax and worked with lawmakers and the media to make the point that the tax would do nothing to improve the public health.

In the sugar tax debate, fizzy drinks are highlighted as they offer empty calories with little nutrition. Seeing the changes, drink companies have expanded line-ups of low-calorie drinks that are majorly exempted from such taxes. Coca-Cola Co and PepsiCo, which dominates global soft drink market did not comment on the issue of the sugar tax.

I4U News reported that, And another thing: this will channel more money into government coffers for developmental projects.

"This puts political leaders in a stronger position to enact policies such as taxes because the companies aren't considered unbreakable," said Kelly Brownell, dean of Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy in North Carolina.

"The implementation of this tax in Mexico as a measure to prevent obesity and diabetes has positioned our country internationally as a leader in public health."

VOA News report said, ICBA Executive Director Kate Loatman said the bottler association in Mexico opposed the tax and "worked with lawmakers and the media to make the point that the tax would do nothing to improve public health."

When asked about India, the Philippines, Indonesia and Britain, she said: "While we understand that there are discussions occurring in those countries, the bottom line is that taxes do not improve public health in any country."

According to the CanadaFreePress News, thirty-five years ago I warned readers about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption and labelled sugar the “white devil”. The sugar industry was not amused, and complained to the College of Physicians and Surgeons that I should be disciplined. I won, after a trying, difficult battle. How things change!

Five countries currently have a sugar tax. Now the British are debating the merits of a 20 % tax on high sugar products to help fight the epidemic of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Why this change of heart? Dr Simon Capewell, UK vice-president of health policy, says, “public opinion on a sugar tax is shifting. The majority of parents are angry that their children are being made fat”. He adds, “It’s a matter of when, not if it’s going to happen.”