Gavin Partington, BSDA director general, said: “We share the recognition that obesity is a major public health priority but reject the idea that a tax on soft drinks, which contribute just 2% of the total calories in the average diet, is going to address a problem which is about overall diet and levels of activity.
“Over the last 10 years, the consumption of soft drinks containing added sugar has fallen by 9% while the incidence of obesity has been increasing, and 61% of soft drinks now contain no added sugar. Soft drinks companies are also committing to further, voluntary action as part of the government’s Responsibility Deal Calorie Reduction Pledge.
“Don’t forget that there already is a 20% tax on soft drinks – 10p out of every 60p can of drink already goes to the government thanks to VAT. Putting up taxes even further will put pressure on people’s purses at a time when they can ill afford it.”
Source: BSDA
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024