More than half of the British public would support a tax on unhealthy food and drink, according to the results of a new poll.
The survey, commissioned by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), found 53% of people would back a ‘sugar tax’ to tackle child obesity.
The findings come as Public Health England (PHE) publishes its review into reducing the nation’s sugar consumption.
Sugar reduction: the evidence for action argues reviewing the sugar content in everyday food and drink products, looking at the advertising of unhealthy food to children and reducing the number of price promotions in shops and restaurants would help reduce sugar consumption levels.
It also said the Government should consider introducing a sugar tax would likely reduce the amount of sugary food and drink purchased, at least the short-term.
Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: ‘PHE’s evidence review shows there is no silver bullet solution to the nation’s bad sugar habit. A broad and balanced approach is our best chance of reducing sugar consumption to healthier levels and to see fewer people suffering the consequences of too much sugar in the diet.’
