Calls raised to bring-in sugar tax-style levy on confectionery, junk food

Most Brits want new taxes imposed on companies that make either junk food or ultra-processed food, a recent polling suggests, prompting calls to introduce a sugar tax-style levy on sweets, cereals, pizzas and other products containing too much salt or sugar.

According the findings by survey by Ipsos for the Health Foundation thinktank, published by The Guardian, 58 per cent of those questioned said they backed the introduction of a tax on organisations that produce foods high in sugar or salt, with some of the revenue to be used to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for poor families.

The findings also show that 53 per cent favoured imposing a tax on companies that produce ultra-processed food, such as ham, biscuits and mass-produced bread, with some of the proceeds raised to be deployed to help low-income households eat better.

Commenting on the survey findings, Adam Briggs, a senior policy fellow and public health expert at the Health Foundation, said, “The new government should be emboldened by this type of polling and understand that this [idea] is something that does enjoy broad support and is likely to lead to important health benefits. The public are basically saying: it’s time for tough action.”

Briggs added that a sugar tax-style levy should initially be imposed on confectionery, cakes and biscuits, sugary breakfast cereals, sweetened yogurts and crisps but then extended to ready meals and pizzas because of their high salt content.

The soft drinks industry levy, which was introduced by the Conservatives in 2018, has shown that taxing unhealthy products prompts many companies to reformulate them in order to avoid paying the tax, which in turn benefits public health.

Prof Carlos Monteiro, the scientist who first coined the term ultra-processed foods, recently suggested that they should carry tobacco-style warnings and also be taxed because of the danger they pose.

Responding to Ipsos’s findings, the Food and Drink Federation, which represents most food producers, said companies should be allowed to develop healthier products – such as by removing salt, sugar and calories and adding fibre, fruit and vegetables – rather than face taxes.

“Manufacturers are committed to continuing to work with government to tackle obesity and poor diets. How we do this hinges on how collectively we ensure that companies are investing in making food healthier,” a spokesperson said.

“Rather than taxes, we believe that supporting all sizes of companies to innovate in healthier products would deliver more and at better value for money.”