Calls have been made by a leading health expert to introduce a ‘fat tax’ on junk food to help tackle unhealthy eating habits.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty has told the government he believes a levy on unhealthy food is necessary to curb childhood obesity.
In his annual report, which was released yesterday, Whitty said a ‘broad range’ of actions is needed from policymakers.
Put together with experts at the think tank Impact on Urban Health, the report says measures should focus on ‘incentivisation – addressed through a levy on unhealthy food products and by encouraging innovation in the food industry’.
It proposes a number of policies including:
- An ‘industry-wide levy on salt and sugar’
- A ‘category-based tax like Soft Drinks Industry Levy’ to include products such as confectionery
- Or ‘an excess profits levy to retailers or producers of products with high sugar and salt content’.
He said: ‘Cities provide great opportunities for a healthier life but many, especially in areas of deprivation, have poor access to healthy food choices, exercise and are exposed to air pollution. These are soluble problems.
‘People move frequently within cities which contain a diversity of population groups – the health system must adapt to them, not the other way around. There are many older citizens living in cities and it is important they are supported to live healthier lives.
‘Addressing the health challenges of cities require a broad range of actions from policymakers, the NHS and individual citizens.’
Impact on Urban Health found the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, also known as the ‘sugar tax’, is already having a positive impact on children’s health. In addition, it also found it did not harm the sales of soft drinks companies.
Advertising ban
This comes as children will no longer view TV adverts for junk food products as a new law set confirms the final details of advertising restrictions.
From October 2025, junk food ads on television will only be allowed past the 9pm watershed as part of plans to curb childhood obesity.
Around 7.2 billion calories per year are expected to be removed from UK children’s diets as a result of the measures, preventing an estimated 20,000 cases of childhood obesity.
Guidance was also published on which food or drink categories will be covered by the regulations.
Porridge and crumpets are part of a list, as well as scones, croissants, pains au chocolat, pancakes and waffles.
Icing and cake decorations are exempt, however, as well as savoury bread and traditional loaves.
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