Petition Charge Excise Duty on Bulk Sugars and Fats

Excess sugar contributes to obesity and type-2 diabetes, with devastating health consequences. Excess fat is associated with cardio-vascular disease.

But it is too Nanny State to tax consumer choices.

So tax manufacturer choices instead:

Bring bulk sugars and fats (the stuff that travels in tankers) under the duty regime. Making these cheap ingredients more expensive will incentivise manufacturers to change their formulations.

Start with sugar. Few breakfast cereals contain less than 30% sugar and none (except plain porridge) has less than 15%. Glucose-fructose syrup is always near the top of the ingredients list. And it’s not just cereals: sugar is secreted in every processed food, not to mention ‘energy drinks’ and alcopops.

Denmark taxes fatty foods. France increases tax on fizzy pop. There is Europe-wide concern that something must be done. Britain could lead the way with an effective policy. Even an initial zero tariff would send a message to the industry.