Soft drinks have been blamed for contributing to the obesity epidemic. Some are now calling for an added tax to offset obesity related healthcare costs.
The link between sweetened beverages and obesity has been clearly established. CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) is rallying for a 7 cent tax per 12 fl ounce soft drink (carbonated and non-carbonated). So what’s their rationale? The tax would raise about $10 billion per year which could be used to help lower obesity rates. CSPI is a watchdog group aimed at educating the public and keeping government and manufacturers in line when it comes to food and nutrition. In this ‘call to action’ they ask their readers to email the president and other lawmakers.
Is this tax a good idea or not? We already have ‘sin taxes’ (a tax on products seen as ‘vices’ with the goal of discouraging their use) on items like alcohol and cigarettes. Even candy is taxed, while ‘whole’ foods, like milk, fruit and veggies, are not. In theory one might guess that the additional tax would result in people cutting back on soft drinks…but in reality….not so much.
While people may complain, they still pay the price for the products they’re used to having. We’ve seen this same thing happen with cigarettes. They’re a proven health risk, they have added taxes, but people still buy them…if money is an issue, they might switch to a cheaper brand, but they don’t stop.
There might be a light somewhere in this dark cloud. If the money is used in campaigns to promote healthier habits, this might have benefits.
What do you think?
- Renee
Labels: Breaking News, Lifestyle Change, Renee
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I think in theory it's a great idea but I'm not sure how practical it is. You're right when you say that people will still buy it no matter how much the price goes up. Just like cigarettes, if people want them, they'll buy them.