A UK push for tax on sugary drinks

Here are the key points of an article on the topic that appeared today:

1. The UK public health body is calling for a 10-20 per cent tax on sugary drinks which are the main single source of sugar for school-aged children.
2. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has thrown his weight behind the cause, publishing a “Sugar Manifesto” and calling for 20 pence to be added to the price of every litre of soft drink similar to the 10 per cent per litre added to the price in Mexico.
3. He also wants a ban on junk food marketing before 9pm on television and clearer labelling laws including a standard measurement of teaspoons and traffic light system showing how much sugar is in a particular item.
4. In Australia, a recent survey found more than 80 per cent of people are in favour of a tax on sugary drinks which could earn the government $250 million a year to fight obesity.
5. At present, almost two in three Australian adults are obese or overweight, with 10 per cent more obese people than 20 years ago.
6. Nutritionist Susie Burrell said she would “absolutely” love to see a “junk tax” introduced in Australia that goes beyond sugar to cover fast food, confectionary and soft drinks

Our opinion is that we would only support a sugar tax if the money went directly (and with transparency) to subsidise fresh fruit and vegetables to lower socio-economic areas, schools or to revamp hospital food. We would also support it helping to fund childhood obesity and diet related disease prevention.

Click here to read the full report!