Alternative Methods – RAPID´Chromogenic Media
Bio-Rad
In a bid to combat the increase in obesity, consumer groups in the UK are calling for a tax on foods that possess a high fat content, a so-called 'fat tax'. The UK food and drink manufacturing industry is less than enthusiastic, and in a statement this week clearly presented its position.
"A so-called 'fat tax' levied on specific food types would hit lower income families, be patronising to consumers and would be a tax on choice," said Martin Paterson, deputy director general of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
"A 'fat tax' would hit lower income families who spend a higher proportion of their income on food and drink. Bullying and negative messages about healthy eating just don't work," he added.
The FDF maintains that it would be better to promote a healthy diet and to support the government's five-a-day initiative that encourages all consumers to eat five portions of fruit and/or vegetables a day. Which begs the question, are the two mutually exclusive?
Patterson's strong words continued: "Consumers will rightly feel patronised by the usual 'top-down' messagesbased on the idea that they can't think for themselves and need to be taxedinto weight-loss. The idea that any particular food is bad for you is out-of-date and simplistic."
