Then I thought surely not and drafted a different ending. Just weeks later, in a world where fact is often stranger than fiction, I see Hungary has included taxation on salt alongside sugar in new proposals being put before its parliament.
The range of products liable includes everything from savoury snacks and ice cream to energy drinks and iced tea. The cynical among you will not be surprised to discover that the new tax is expected to raise over $100m in revenue.
Meanwhile, the rescue package agreed between the Greek government, European Union and International Monetary Fund includes a new excise duty on non-alcoholic beverages, designed to raise €300m.
Both sets of measures are due to come into effect within months.
Richard Hall is chairman of Zenith International. You can also read his blog at BevBlog.
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