Legislation for tax on sugary sweetened beverages could be in place by October

A tax of up to 30 percent could be imposed on sugary beverages in the country hopeful by October 2024 as the government works to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph said plans are also afoot to encourage more physical activity and make healthier food options less expensive.

“Let’s say for instance there is a tax on grapes, apples. I think with this legislation coming onboard we should eliminate those taxes that is part of the discussion. I do not know how receptive that is going to be, but we have to have to reduce the cost of fruits and vegetables and increase the tax on sugary sweetened beverages”.

As it relates to more physical activity he said, “The funds that we raise from the tax on sugary sweetened beverages should be used primarily in the schools to encourage physical activities more athletics, more sports and things like that”.

While he is hoping this may be in place by October this year, Sir Molywn said there will be adequate consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

In 20222, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called on countries to tax sugar sweetened beverages to save lives.

Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO said then, “Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages can be a powerful tool to promote health because they save lives and prevent disease, while advancing health equity and mobilizing revenue for countries that could be used to realize universal health coverage,” said

Sugar Sweetened Beverages, tobacco, and alcohol tax, he said, have proven to be cost-effective ways of preventing diseases, injuries, and premature mortality. SSB tax can also encourage companies to reformulate their products to reduce sugar content.

He added regular consumption of SSBs, including soft drinks, flavoured milks, energy drinks, vitamin waters, fruit juices and sweetened iced teas, is associated with an increased risk of dental cavities, type 2 diabetes, weight gain and obesity in both children and adults, heart disease, stroke and cancer.