Sugar tax: Expert says people 'compensate in other ways'
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Salt and sugar taxes could soon be used within the food industry. Any money raised could be used to fund important initiatives such as free school meals or food clubs. The National Food Strategy has called for the introduction of the world’s first Sugar and Salt Reformulation Tax, following an independent review.
Salt and sugar should be taxed and vegetables prescribed by the NHS according to an independent review of the food.
The report led by businessman Henry Dimbleby said taxes raised could extend free school meal provision and support better diets among the most impoverished.
The review suggested a Salt and Sugar Reformulation tax could be added to food sold in shops, cafes and canteens as part of a new National Food Strategy.
The report was commissioned by the Government and claims a £3 per g tax on sugar and £6 per kg on salt for processed foods and in restaurants and catering businesses would encourage manufacturers to reformulate their recipes and reduce their portion sizes.
However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is not attracted to the idea of imposing an extra tax on salt and sugar which would hit “hard-working people” the hardest.
Speaking in Coventry, Mr Johnson said: “I am not, I must say, attracted to the idea of extra taxes on hard-working people.”
He added: “I will study the report. I think it is an independent report.
“I think there are doubtless some good ideas in it.”
England’s National Food Strategy wants GPs to try prescribing fruit and vegetables to encourage healthy eating.
The review said the food eaten by Britons and the way it is produced is adversely affecting the nation’s health and “doing terrible damage to the planet”.
The report added the country should implement major changes.
Mr Dimbleby said: “We do not actually believe that for most things it will hike the price – what it will do is it will reformulate, it will make people take sugar and salt out.”
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Are you addicted to salt or sugar?
Salt and sugar are both highly addictive tastes.
Sodium plays a critical role in the functioning of one’s body – helping to regulate water balance and control muscle and nerve function.
People are advised to consume just 1,500mg of sodium a day – but the average intake is between five and six grams.
When it comes to sugar addiction, it is best to identify if you have an addiction by determining if you go into withdrawal when you go without these items.
Withdrawal signs may include headaches, lethargy or feeling tired.
Cravings, muscle pain, nausea, bloating and even insomnia may also be symptoms.
These symptoms may intensify after 24 hours so it is best to cut back on anything you may be addicted to little by little.
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