Fat tax could be crippling
23 November 2011
A leading European health body is calling on the UK to introduce
a tax on fatty and sugary foods, as well as greater controls on the
advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children.
According to the European Heart Network such measures are long
overdue and countries such as the UK need to introduce decisive
policies in light of growing evidence of the impact of diet and
physical activity on coronary heart disease.
The call follows the lead set by Denmark recently of placing a
levy on foods that contain more than 2.3% saturated fat.
Whilst Denmark has shown that the tax is workable in theory Nina
Best, food law expert at Browne Jacobson, believes its imposition
at this moment in time would be ‘crippling’ for the industry:
“The introduction of a fat tax in the UK would be very difficult
for the Government to suggest right now and for the industry to
stomach. The impending Food Information Regulations are already
making waves and the force of the Nutrition and Health Regulations
is only just being felt. Introducing a tax on foods which would be
sure to cripple certain producers would not be a sensible move. The
Nutrition and Health Regulations should have a significant impact
on the way certain foods are marketed so it would be wise for
Government to let regulators try this weapon first before
introducing a new one.”