The Australian beverage sector is fighting back against higher taxes and price hikes on soft drinks detailed in the country’s latest obesity strategy.  The trade association Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) claims these tax measures are ineffective and that there is little evidence sugar taxation works from a public health perspective. It also argues that the latest report National Obesity Strategy 2022-2023 written by the Department of Health failed to acknowledge reformulation efforts made by the beverage industry. The report makes it clear that economic and policy tools will be used to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.  Major beverage manufacturers have already pledged to reduce sugar levels in their products by 20% by 2025. ABCL plans to release its own report on sugar reduction next week.

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Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne 

Posted on 25 April 2022