A new law has been implemented in Colombia that aims to tax ultra-processed foods as a way to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote healthier eating habits. The law, known as the “junk food law,” is one of the first of its kind in the world and has received praise from campaigners and health experts who believe it could serve as an example for other countries.
Under the law, a gradual levy will be introduced on affected foods, starting at 10% immediately and increasing to 15% next year and 20% in 2025. Ultra-processed products, including ready-to-eat foods high in salt and saturated fat, such as chocolates and crisps, will be subject to the tax. Certain compromises were made with the food industry, such as excluding some processed foods like sausages from the tax.
Colombia has a high rate of cardiovascular diseases, with sodium consumption being a contributing factor. The average Colombian consumes 12g of salt per day, the highest rate in Latin America and one of the highest in the world. Other diet-related health issues, such as diabetes, are also prevalent, with over a third of deaths attributed to diabetes occurring among individuals under the age of 70.
The tax policy in Colombia is aligned with front-of-packaging labels that indicate the healthiness of a product. The country will also introduce mandatory health warnings on foods with high levels of unhealthy ingredients, such as sugar or saturated fat. This combination of taxation and labeling creates both an informational and financial incentive for consumers to make healthier choices.
Campaigners faced opposition from the food and beverage industries during the years leading up to the implementation of the law. However, they persisted in their efforts to push for healthier food policies. Critics of the tax argue that it will worsen Colombia’s struggle with inflation. However, health experts suggest that existing taxes could be used to create incentives for healthier food choices, such as reducing VAT on healthier foods while increasing taxes on unhealthy options.
The implementation of the “junk food law” in Colombia demonstrates the country’s commitment to addressing NCDs and promoting healthier eating habits. By taxing ultra-processed foods and implementing front-of-packaging labels, Colombia hopes to reduce the consumption of unhealthy products and improve public health. This innovative approach could serve as a model for other countries looking to tackle the growing issue of NCDs. Copyright ©2023 Hotenews.com All Rights Reserved