A recent survey conducted across the UK reveals widespread support for taxing unhealthy foods, with many respondents backing the idea if the generated revenue is used to reduce the cost of healthier options. The findings indicate that public approval of such taxes hinges largely on the design and purpose of the policy, especially when it includes measures aimed at making nutritious foods more affordable.
The survey, published in the BMJ Public Health journal, highlighted a significant gap in support among various occupational groups. While public sector workers such as postal employees and teachers expressed stronger support for food taxes, those in manual jobs like retail and delivery workers showed less enthusiasm. The survey points out that professionals are 1.5 times more likely to endorse such policies compared to manual workers.
The rising global rates of obesity and diet-related diseases have prompted many countries to consider fiscal policies, including taxes on unhealthy food products like sugary beverages, to encourage healthier eating habits. These taxes, the study suggests, could contribute to better public health by curbing unhealthy food consumption and making healthier choices more accessible.
The survey, conducted between April 12-14, 2024, involved 2,125 adults from the UK. It focused on three key areas: public support for a new food tax, awareness of current food taxes in the UK, and preferences for how any new food tax should be implemented.
Support for Tax on Unhealthy Foods Linked to Healthy Food Subsidies
Findings show that 48% of participants supported a tax on unhealthy foods. However, this figure surged to 72% when respondents were informed that the revenue would be directed towards making healthy foods more affordable. This significant shift, particularly noticeable in Northern Ireland, underscores a key condition for public support: the potential for such taxes to make nutritious food more financially accessible.
The survey also revealed that attitudes towards food taxes varied based on socioeconomic status, regional location, and occupation. London residents and non-manual workers were notably more supportive, while support was lower among individuals on long-term benefits, casual workers, and those in manual labor roles. These findings point to the need for policymakers to consider regional and social disparities when crafting such fiscal policies.
Public Awareness of Existing Food Taxes Remains Low
Despite the general acceptance of food taxes, public awareness about existing food-related taxes in the UK was limited. The survey found that while a significant portion of participants were familiar with the value-added tax (VAT) on foods, fewer were aware of the Soft Drink Industry Levy (SDIL). Additionally, many respondents were unclear about whether certain foods, such as bottled water or processed meats, were subject to taxation.
Tax Preferences and Socioeconomic Variations
Respondents were generally supportive of taxing specific items like cakes and crisps, with strong backing from those already in favor of food taxes. Support for taxes on hot takeaways and ready meals was also significant. However, the idea of taxing fruits and vegetables, or red and processed meats, received minimal support.
When asked about the main goal of a food tax, the majority of respondents emphasized the need to make healthy food more affordable, followed by addressing obesity and improving diets for both children and adults. A small fraction prioritized environmental or fair trade outcomes.
Interestingly, while support for higher taxes on unhealthy foods was widespread, the survey revealed that framing the issue in terms of affordability likely influenced participants’ responses. This “priming effect” may have contributed to the high levels of support for tax proposals focused on making healthier food more accessible.
Implications for Policymakers
The survey provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to implement food taxes as a tool for promoting public health. It suggests that taxes aimed at reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods are more likely to gain public support when paired with measures that lower the cost of healthier alternatives.
Despite general backing for such policies, the study emphasizes that public support is not uniform across all demographics. Variations in support based on occupation, socioeconomic status, and region highlight the importance of tailoring policies to meet the needs of different groups within society.
The findings also stress the need for food taxes to be part of a broader public health strategy that includes additional measures such as subsidies for healthy foods, advertising restrictions, and clearer labeling to ensure both affordability and fairness.
The survey, which used the YouGov platform to gather responses, also noted a few limitations, including a lack of detailed information about the scope of the proposed tax, and the exclusion of “don’t know” responses, which may slightly inflate the overall support levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the survey indicates that the UK public is generally supportive of food taxes, especially when such measures are designed to promote healthier eating. As policymakers consider the implementation of such taxes, the focus should be on ensuring that they address affordability and access to healthy foods while considering the diverse needs of the population.
Related topics:
Should You Eat A Protein Bar Every Day? Here’s What You Need To Know
Healthy Kids: How to Help Build Motivation in Children
The Well-Established Benefits of Breastfeeding
