
A sugar tax on drinks would have a positive impact on health, particularly for children, confirms a new study commissioned by the Ministry of Health. “Many beverages specifically marketed to children contain large amounts of sugar,” emphasized Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) on Saturday. This significantly increases the risk of diseases. In Austria, one in four girls and one in three boys are overweight or obese.
“A sugar tax would also make sense in Austria. The positive experiences of other countries demonstrate this,” Rauch explained in a statement. Since 2010, over 70 countries, regions, and municipalities around the world have introduced such a tax. The greatest effect occurs when the revenues are earmarked for healthy foods or health-promoting measures, according to an analysis by Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG). However, the ministry also noted that the actual health impacts have not yet been definitively proven for all countries due to the long-term effects.
According to the Ministry of Health, drinks account for the largest share of sugar consumption among children and adolescents. “A soda tax is suitable for reducing sugar consumption and positively influencing health,” responded foodwatch in a statement. The organization launched an online petition for a tax on sugary drinks on Saturday.