Gary Sacks1, Janelle Kwon2, Kathryn Backholer2. 1. Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia. gary.sacks@deakin.edu.au. 2. Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Interest in taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages as a public health tool has increased in recent years. This paper aimed to summarise recent evidence of the impact of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages on food purchases, and discuss opportunities to advance knowledge and policy impact. RECENT FINDINGS: Evaluations of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages have shown reductions in purchases of targeted unhealthy products and nutrients. Similarly, data from multiple sources demonstrate that as prices of unhealthy foods and beverages increase, purchase volume decreases. However, studies indicate potential for substitution to non-taxed unhealthy foods, which needs to be factored into taxation design. Taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages are a promising strategy to improve population diets. Further research is required to understand food industry responses to tax implementation, as well as the impact of taxes on population and planetary health outcomes.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Interest in taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages as a public health tool has increased in recent years. This paper aimed to summarise recent evidence of the impact of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages on food purchases, and discuss opportunities to advance knowledge and policy impact. RECENT FINDINGS: Evaluations of taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages have shown reductions in purchases of targeted unhealthy products and nutrients. Similarly, data from multiple sources demonstrate that as prices of unhealthy foods and beverages increase, purchase volume decreases. However, studies indicate potential for substitution to non-taxed unhealthy foods, which needs to be factored into taxation design. Taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages are a promising strategy to improve population diets. Further research is required to understand food industry responses to tax implementation, as well as the impact of taxes on population and planetary health outcomes.
Authors: Boyd A Swinburn; Vivica I Kraak; Steven Allender; Vincent J Atkins; Phillip I Baker; Jessica R Bogard; Hannah Brinsden; Alejandro Calvillo; Olivier De Schutter; Raji Devarajan; Majid Ezzati; Sharon Friel; Shifalika Goenka; Ross A Hammond; Gerard Hastings; Corinna Hawkes; Mario Herrero; Peter S Hovmand; Mark Howden; Lindsay M Jaacks; Ariadne B Kapetanaki; Matt Kasman; Harriet V Kuhnlein; Shiriki K Kumanyika; Bagher Larijani; Tim Lobstein; Michael W Long; Victor K R Matsudo; Susanna D H Mills; Gareth Morgan; Alexandra Morshed; Patricia M Nece; An Pan; David W Patterson; Gary Sacks; Meera Shekar; Geoff L Simmons; Warren Smit; Ali Tootee; Stefanie Vandevijvere; Wilma E Waterlander; Luke Wolfenden; William H Dietz Journal: Lancet Date: 2019-01-27 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: Boyd A Swinburn; Gary Sacks; Kevin D Hall; Klim McPherson; Diane T Finegood; Marjory L Moodie; Steven L Gortmaker Journal: Lancet Date: 2011-08-27 Impact factor: 79.321