The sugar tax was a start – but on its own won’t beat the obesity timebomb. Tough action must be taken to exhibit fat,salt and sugar are killers, like cigarettesBudget day rarely brings enormous victories for public health like last week’s bombshell – a sugar tax on fizzy drinks. The myriad (a very large number) medical, or public health,children’s and anti-obesity organisations that fill campaigned so long for just such a levy were entitled to their euphoria. “This is a moment to celebrate”, said the Obesity Health Alliance, and capturing the mood. They fell over themselves to praise George Osborne for being so bold and radical.
The surcharge on Coca Cola,Capri Sun, Irn Bru and the rest offers other potential benefits beyond the expected cut in consumption. It is the first time any government has decided to exhaust fiscal measures to tackle the scourge of sinful diet.
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Source: theguardian.com