France considers higher tax on unhealthy food

The French government is considering raising taxes on unhealthy foods to as much as 19.6 per cent.

No decision has been made, but an
expert report advocating an increase in the current 5.5 per cent tax
on sweet, salty and fatty foods An official confirmed the report was
being discussed on Wednesday, and said it would be presented to
legislators in September.

The extent of the tax and whether it
will be implemented is not clear.

For example, it might be easier to
impose if it applied to processed foods, but excluded French delights
like brie cheese, éclairs and pâtés.

French senators suggested new
nutritional taxes last year, but instead asked for the expert report
from the government's social affairs and budget agencies.

Budget Minister Eric Woerth rejected
the idea Wednesday, on financial grounds. He said it was "out of
the question to raise sales taxes on food products," given the
higher prices that have cut the population's purchasing power.