In 2016, Kerala became the first state in India to implement a fat tax of 14.5% on junk food like pizzas, burgers and more. The fat tax was introduced for junk food served in quick-service restaurants, citing them as detrimental to health. And now, India may impose fat tax across the country on food containing high sugar and salt. Read on to know all the deets.
Fat Tax May Be Charged On Foods High In Sugar, Salt & Fats
The government think tank Niti Aayog is currently reviewing the evidence available to come up with solutions to tackle obesity in the population revealed in the annual report of 2021-22. One of the solutions to combat obesity can be a fat tax. India may increase taxes on foods high in fat, sugar and salt. An official revealed to Economic Times that apart from fat tax, advertising HFSS(high fat, salt sugar) on the front-of-pack labelling and marketing may also be considered.
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Currently Branded Packaged Foods Incur 12 Percent Taxes
Currently, non-branded bhujias, namkeens, vegetable and fruit chips are charged with 5 per cent GST. Branded and packaged foods incur 12 per cent in taxes. Tobacco and tobacco products are charged 28% GST to discourage the population from consuming these products, that are injurious to health. They also carry a statutory warning on the labelling and packaging. The decision to charge a fat tax on foods high in salt, sugar and salt comes due to the growing cases of obesity among children in India. Meanwhile, here’s an insight on what actors eat to stay healthy and fit, from Rakul Preet’s celeb nutritionist Munmun Ganeriwal.