Time to Tax Sugary Drinks

Time to Tax Sugary Drinks
April 02, 2012|Michael Jacobson | U.S. News & World ReportThere is no doubt that too much sugar, in the form of high-fructose corn syrup found in soft drinks and plain cane or beet sugar, is a prime cause of weight gain, obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, and other problems. Federal, state, and local governments, as well as the food industry itself, have a responsibility to inform consumers of the problem and implement measures that get people eating less sugar.

Soda pop and other sugar-based drinks are the single largest source of calories in the American diet. Given the fact that obesity and diabetes are such expensive diseases to treat, it makes sense for governments to levy taxes on sugar-based drinks, both to raise revenue and to reduce consumption. Many states already tax soda and snack foods, so it's hardly a novel idea. A tax could raise billions of dollars and, depending on the rate, reduce consumption, particularly among minors. Governments could use some of that revenue to fund health-promotion programs, such as the hard-hitting campaigns that New York City is sponsoring.......

Good idea rather than keep on about fluoride.