Britain considering 'fat tax' on unhealthy foods: report

[La_Serpiente]

Britain considering 'fat tax' on unhealthy foods: report

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's government is considering trying to tackle increasing levels of obesity by imposing a so-called "fatty food tax" on foodstuffs with poor nutritional value, according to a report.

Other measures being considered include standardised labelling of fat and sugar contents in processed foods, The Times said.

According to the newspaper, Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites)'s official think tank has drawn up proposals to tackle consumption of unhealthy items such as burgers, potato crisps and soft drinks.

In an as-yet unpublished document seen by the newspaper, the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit admitted that a rising trend towards fatness among British people was "largely outside the direct influence" of the country's health service.

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Britain considering 'fat tax' on unhealthy foods: report

[w4rma]

1. Might help make healthy foods more competitive. (n/t)

[BayCityProgressive]

2. might make food more affordable as well!

if they get slapped with a big tax perhaps they will lower the price of their product to remain viable. I am not sure yet where I stand on this, a few Democrats have proposed something similar. Also, I think taxing things that are unhealthy to the general public is fair game...it raises the price of healthcare for all of us. I guess I am just a "social engineering" liberal.