According to a recent survey, a third of French citizens are overweight, with 15% classed as obese. The French Treasury has estimated the total cost (healthcare, lost productivity, etc.) of obesity at €20.4 billion per year, which puts it between tobacco and alcohol in terms of its cost to the public purse.
In response, the French government is considering imposing a calorie tax, possibly as an extension of VAT. The levy would be calculated according to how many calories products contained. France already has two nutrition taxes in place, on sugary drinks and energy drinks.
Critics argue that the taxes are regressive, affecting the poorest hardest, but a finance ministry official commented that 'there is no reason why this tax should not be accompanied by measures to redistribute wealth, to boost the purchasing power of the poorest people'.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
