WHO: Put sugar tax on soft drinks

The World Health Organisation has joined those calling for a sugar tax on soft drinks.

In a major report on childhood obesity, the Who said there is strong evidence a sugar tax can be an effective means to tackle the problem alongside other measures like tackling large portion sizes and unclear labelling.

The report also called for action on the marketing of junk food to children and for schools to ban the sale of unhealthy food.

“Overall, the rationale for taxation measures to influence purchasing behaviours is strong and supported by the available evidence,” said the report.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar last week said the imposition of a sugar tax on drinks and snacks is a good idea. He was responding to a move by the National Health Service in England to impose a sugar tax in its hospitals.