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Taxing sugar and salt in food to improve health
A new report from the Transforming UK Food Systems Programme (TUKFS) urges the UK government to expand the sugar tax beyond soft drinks to all processed foods. The report, Regulatory Tools for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet, highlights how the soft drinks levy has cut sugar content by 44% and suggests similar regulations for products like biscuits, yogurts, and cereals to combat obesity.
The report also proposes a salt tax and stricter food sector regulations, arguing that voluntary measures have failed to improve public health and environmental sustainability. Key recommendations include setting greenhouse gas targets for agriculture, mandating traffic light food labeling, and requiring large food businesses to report sales of unhealthy products.
Stronger regulations, the report claims, would promote economic growth by ensuring a healthier workforce and environment. As the government prepares to release its food strategy and 25-year farming roadmap, the findings emphasize the need for immediate action.
17-03-2025