Too little evidence that “fat tax” works, says committee

A committee of health experts has advised the government of Flanders against imposing a tax on unhealthy foods, according to a report in De Morgen. Flemish welfare minister Jo Vandeurzen had asked the Work Group on Food and Exercise to look into the possible effects of imposing a tax on foods high in fat or sugar such as salty snacks and energy drinks.

The so-called “fat tax” hit the headlines last autumn when Ghent University (UGent) published a study that said that it would encourage consumers to eat more healthy foods and could reduce the incidence of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. The study pointed to Finland’s fat tax, which indeed led to a decrease in the consumption of processed foods.

The government committee has reported, however, that there is “too little evidence that the tax works”.

“That is a pity,” according to professor Ignaas Devisch, who teaches ethics and medical philosophy at UGent. Their research, he told De Morgen, shows that the country could reduce obesity by imposing the 10% tax, cutting the health-care budget by some €2.2 billion over a 20-year period.