Study Says Fat Tax Would Save Lives
July 16, 2007 by Claire
Filed under Women's Health
A study published Thursday at the Oxford University in London says that a 17.5 percent tax on sugary, fatty and salty foods could save thousands of lives a year (MSNBC).
Right now, there is already a tax on a few “junk” foods such as ice cream and potato chips.
I can see some major problems with a fat tax and I think many would agree – for instance:
-Who is to decide which foods are “unhealthy” enough to make the cut?
-What are lower-income families supposed to do? I’m not saying eat unhealthy, but the fact is that a lot of “healthier” foods simply cost more.
-Is it too much of an invasion on our lives?
Keep in mind, right now this is in Britain, not the US. But once the ball gets rolling, who knows what could happen?
I’d be interested to hear what people think about this, so let me know in the comments!
Claire
(Image from newconsumer.com)
