| Title: |
Key Issues with Implementing a Sugar Tax: The Case of Jamaica. |
| Authors: |
HENRY, FITZROY J. |
| Source: |
Journal of Arts Science & Technology; 2018Special issue, Vol. 11, p101-113, 13p |
| Subject Terms: |
PUBLIC health administration; BEVERAGE consumption; FOOD habits |
| Abstract: |
The cost of healthy foods is often higher than the unhealthy options. Targeted food pricing through taxes and subsidies can therefore help redress this balance and holds considerable potential as an effective public health strategy. Although several countries around the world have introduced taxes on sugary products few have carefully analyzed the potential for success. The consumption of sugar in the Caribbean is among the highest in the world and Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines were the first to introduce a tax on sugar. Other countries are planning to follow their lead. This paper details 5 key issues to consider when implementing a sugar tax (i) The potential health impact (ii) Why focus on sugary drinks? (iii) Is this unfair competition in the marketplace? (iv) The amount and type of tax (v) How will it affect the poor? Reference will be made to data in Jamaica. While each jurisdiction will have unique circumstances it is anticipated that the generic issues detailed here will be useful to several countries in the Caribbean, and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| : |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |