Brazil seeks higher selective tax on sugary drinks to curb obesity

The Chamber of Deputies’ Human Rights, Minorities and Racial Equality Committee held a public hearing on a proposed selective tax for foods that contribute to obesity. Experts, including José Graziano da Silva of the Zero Hunger Institute, warned that two‑thirds of Brazilians are overweight and that premature deaths from obesity exceed 60,000 annually. They urged raising the minimum tax rate on sugary beverages from the current 2 % ceiling to at least 8 % to make unhealthy products more expensive than water. The Ministry of Finance noted technical and political challenges, citing strong industry lobbying, but affirmed the tax’s role in encouraging healthier consumption. The hearing also highlighted the need for better data linking tax incentives to health outcomes.

The discussion reflects broader concerns about Brazil’s rising obesity rates, with over 30 % of children and adolescents in primary care already above healthy weight levels. Lawmakers see price increases as a decisive tool to shift consumer behavior and support public‑health programmes such as school nutrition and breastfeeding promotion.