ISABELLE'S OPINION:JUNK FOOD TAX

An added tax on junk food... for or against the idea Read my opinion on the subject!!
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ISABELLE'S OPINION: TAX ON JUNK FOOD

Although the subject is highly controversial, I have always been in favor of a tax on junk food and especially, sugary drinks. An opinion that I have defended on several forums in recent years. While some countries, such as Mexico, have already taken the initiative to add this tax on soft drinks, several studies are now available on the subject. Good news: they are conclusive!

FAVORABLE LITERATURE

Studies show that adding taxes has the desired effect, namely a reduction in the consumption of these products.

« All studies (20/20) that used the number of calories consumed as a measure of the effect of a nutritional tax showed a reduction in calorie intake. The ability of taxation to generate revenue for public authorities has also been observed in 100% of the studies that have looked at this issue. ¹

Personally, I would first target the market for sugary drinks, which are associated in particular with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Vitamin waters, fruit cocktails and energy drinks should not be spared from taxation. We could issue a tax proportional to the sugar content of drinks.

THE REVERSE OF THE MEDAL: MORE POSITIVE!

People against the latter are often resistant to the addition of an additional tax, the latter allowing to fill the pockets of the government. Why not simply reinvest the money collected in prevention programs or by granting subsidies to facilitate access to fruits and vegetables?s ?

A favorable double effect, in my opinion!

1.INSPQ.Economic instruments to promote healthy eating: synthesis of knowledge.Department of Individual and Community Development. Report published in March 2017.

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