Campaigners urge government to introduce 'calorie tax'

12 Aug 2019

Campaigners have urged the government to introduce a so-called 'calorie tax' on processed foods.

Campaign groups Action on Sugar and Action on Salt hope that a calorie tax would encourage manufacturers to create healthier foods in order to help tackle childhood obesity, cancer and diabetes.

'Manufacturers are simply not doing enough,' said Katharine Jenner, Campaign Director for Action on Sugar and Action on Salt.

'An 'excess calorie levy' would encourage manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of their unhealthy foods and, most importantly, tackle the thousands who suffer the consequences of a poor diet, leading to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cancer.'

The call for a calorie tax comes following the implementation of the government's Soft Drinks Industry Levy, which came into effect from April 2018. As part of the levy, traders pay one of two rates: either the 'standard rate' of 18p per litre, which applies to drinks with sugar content between five grams and up to (but not including) eight grams per 100ml, or the 'higher rate' of 24p per litre, which applies to drinks with sugar content equal to or greater than eight grams per 100ml.

According to the government, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy has raised millions for sports facilities and healthier eating in schools, and has encouraged manufacturers to cut sugar in over half the drinks found in UK stores.

Copyright

© 2024 Michael Letch & Partners LLP. All rights reserved.

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.
Contact Us

Please call:
01277 655 626

Quick links

Home | Contact us | Site map | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | Help |

Address
Michael Letch & Partners LLP, 146 High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9DF

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registration number OC328815.

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is regulated by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the United Kingdom.

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to carry out specific activities and investment advice (registration number 112064).

The term ‘Partner’ is used to refer to a member of Michael Letch & Partners LLP. A list of members is open to inspection at our registered office at 146 High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9DF.

Michael Letch & Partners LLP is registered to carry out audits in the UK by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.