Food Standards Agency looking at fat tax
The Food Standards Agency has today issued a consultation document regarding the potential introduction of a so-called fat tax. It is likely that most processed foods sold in the UK will be targeted and their exemption from VAT (currently 17.5%) would be lifted. Alternatively the Food Standards Agency could introduce VAT on butter and cheese which would effectively cover a large number of so-called fatty foods which include these ingredients.
While there is no doubt that the health of the UK nation is at stake, many people will be alarmed that such a large tax could be introduced in the short-term. Amid cries of a return to a "nanny state" there is likely to be serious friction between the authorities and consumers not to mention businesses who will see their sales affected. Finding a balance between the health and wealth of the nation is not easy although when you consider the enormous cost to the NHS from fatty foods maybe it is time for a total review of the system?
However, there is concern that the introduction of a so-called fat tax could be more financially damaging to poorer families in the UK than those from a wealthy background.
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