Horizon : Taxes on unhealthy food
【明報專訊】Have you ever heard of a fat tax? Some countries have introduced taxes on unhealthy food, such as fast food and soft drinks. This kind of taxation is called a fat tax. Its aim is to discourage unhealthy diets and reduce obesity.
In 2011, Hungary introduced a fat tax to tackle obesity, targeting a range of food which is high in salt or sugar. The first impact assessment conducted in 2012 showed that after instating the tax, approximately 40% of unhealthy food product manufacturers changed their product formulas to either reduce or eliminate unhealthy ingredients.
Despite opposition from fast food makers, Mexico imposed a fat tax on a wide range of junk food in order to tackle obesity and poor diets in 2013. Consumers have to pay more when they buy high-calorie food or sugar-sweetened soft drinks. The measures have brought a significant decrease in sales of the targeted products. However, Mexico is still one of the countries with the highest obesity rate.
In 2016, Kerala became the first state in India to impose a fat tax on fast food. Under the policy, a tax is added on burgers, pizzas, tacos and doughnuts sold in branded restaurants. The state government introduced the measures because people started to shift their eating habits and eat junk food, pushing out traditional restaurants and leading to detrimental health effects.
■Gear up
1. Which of the following is true?
A. The fat tax was unsuccessful in Hungary.
B. Mexicans are getting slimmer.
C. A fat tax was implemented in Kerala, India.
2. In recent years, there has been a ________ increase in the use of technology in the classroom.
(Fill in the blank with a word from this page.)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
obesity (n) 肥胖
formula (n) 配方
significant (adj) 顯著的
push out (phr v) 取代
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第354期]
