Federalimentare calls for the abolition of the sugar tax

Federalimentare has announced its support for Assobibe’s call to abolish the sugar tax. The food industry association argues that such taxes are simplistic measures that fail to address the multifactorial nature of obesity.

In a statement, Federalimentare noted that international experience, such as the 2018 soft drinks industry levy in England, suggests that taxing sugary beverages does not effectively reduce obesity rates or improve public health. The group advocates for a comprehensive educational approach focusing on portion control, nutrient balance, and physical activity instead.

Furthermore, the industry raised concerns regarding the consistency of food policies. They warned that implementing fiscal levers against specific food components could jeopardize Italian exports, as traditional products like prosciutto, parmesan, and various sauces could face similar challenges due to their salt or fat content.