Sugar Tax

Cool like Redtunnel · « **on:** April 16, 2016, 20:28:16 »

If you've been living under a rock for the past few months, or you aren't from the United Kingdom, then you'll be somewhat shocked to find out that the British Government is introducing a 'Sugar Tax' which will tax manufacturers who put large amounts of sugar in their products.

"In response to growing concern over obesity, Chancellor George Osborne is imposing a levy on soft drinks with more than 5g of sugar per 100ml. There's a higher rate for those with more than 8g per 100ml. Fruit juice and milk-based drinks are exempt."

"The Office for Budgetary Responsibility suggests the levy will add 18p or 24p per litre, or about 6p or 8p to a standard 330ml can."

Sugar traps
Some of the added sugar we consume is found in the food and drink we think of as healthy or savoury, such as low-fat yoghurt and sauces.

• Flavoured waters can contain as much added sugar as an energy drink.
• Breakfast foods like frosted cereals and smoothies are packed with 'hidden sugars', making it easy to exceed our daily allowance before even leaving the house.
• Even snacks that seem like healthier options, like wholemeal bread, reduced-fat biscuits and low-fat yoghurt may contain hidden sugars.

Read the article to find out more about the sugar tax!

So what are your views on the Sugar Tax? Is it a good thing and will it help people get a better understanding of the 'hidden sugars' or even added sugars in everyday items?

Or would it be better to educate people on hidden sugars and added sugars to reduce the growing problem of obesity in adults and children alike rather than taxing them?

Shelley · « **Reply #1 on:** April 16, 2016, 20:39:09 »

I'm not entirely sure how much of a difference it will make, I think it's mainly down to lack of education and what you were brought up eating at home. From my experience with housemates who have a bad diet, it's a habit now which they can't seem to break.

Thom. · « **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2016, 20:51:59 »

I think it's better to educate them more about the hidden sugars and what's good and not good. Also like Shelley said I think parents need to teach their children when they are still young about it and teach them that healthy things also can be delicious and the downsides of eating to much sugar.

Cryogen · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2016, 21:03:20 »

I think it's right to tax sugary products harder than other food products since they should be seen more as luxury than something to eat on a daily basis. The government will get slightly more tax income too, which can be seen as a positive.

We currently have a sugar tax in Finland although it will be dropped sometime next year. I don't know too much about the details but a few complaints were sent to European Commission and the tax, at least in the form we have implemented it, is breaking some EU regulations.

The tax has not really decreased the consumption of sugary products here. I suppose people are so used to eating sugary foods that small price increases won't stop them. At least not those with even a somewhat decent income. So If the aim is to improve people's health, I believe better education would be a more effective way to reduce people's sugar intake than a tax. But I still don't see the tax as a negative.

CrossHairs · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2016, 21:04:43 »

100% for it. Losing weight is very hard and this will help it a lot.

Redtunnel · « **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2016, 21:18:29 »

I love sugar. My diet is like pure carb and sugar. I don't want to pay more for that. Taxation is the wrong way to get to the root of people's health issues. For me personally, a price increase would not make a difference as long as I can afford to maintain my lifestyle. I don't have any health issues that I am aware of though. If anything I need to gain weight

Khysalis · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2016, 05:15:56 »

New Zealand is also thinking of introducing this sugar tax. In my opinion it will be good but it will be harder on really low income family's that tend to purchase the *fizzy* drinks that are cheaper than the healthy alternatives like water (water here tastes rank) and milk. I'd like to see them remove gst or lower the price on the healthier alternatives and reeducate people on reading contents labels on bottles/containers.