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What has become a reality in Rumania since March 1st is now also being discussed at EU level, i.e. a tax on particularly unhealthy food. The Conservative Rumanian MEP Oana Antonescu, who demanded the Europe-wide introduction of a Fast Food Tax, triggered the debate. The objective of this measure would be to counteract the effect obesity, diabetes and other nutrition-related diseases have on health.

Obesity as a social risk

And indeed, one cannot deny the health risks caused by poor nutrition. The risk of mortality increases significantly once a body mass index of 30 has been reached. This does not only have serious consequences for the people affected but it also causes immense social costs. Looking at the USA one can clearly see the consequences of a misguided food policy. Obesity in America is a phenomenon, which affects in particular the socially weak. Fast food is the cheapest form of nutrition; healthy food is expensive and for many not affordable or accessible.

Fast Food Tax affects in particular people on low income

As expected, the food industry is against such measures and warns against a rise in the price of food of up to 20 percent and significant job losses. In view of the fact that the tax would be in the area of 0.01 to 0.1 percent of the monetary value of food, this reaction appears to be exaggerated. However, it is an important point, which has been addressed here. A Fast Food Tax would have a particular impact on people on low income, because those - compared to their income - spent a far higher percentage on food as people higher salaries. It would be far more adequate to introduce measures to make “good” food affordable and easier accessible.  

The European Commission, however, has not announced any plans to introduce a Fast Food Tax. Apart from that, an EU-wide tax would have to be unanimously adopted by the Council.