Companies protest WHO advice to increase taxes on soft drinks

Higher global taxes on carbonated drinks have not led to decline in consumption, say firms

- SURAJEET DAS GUPTA

Draft guidelines released by the World Health Organization (WHO) a few weeks ago, asking governments for a tax-induced price increase on a range of beverages to reduce their consumption and promote a "healthy diet", have raised serious concerns among companies in the business.

The products which have been identified in the guidelines "on fiscal policies to promote healthy diets" include beverages containing free sugar in carbonated soft drinks, carbonated fruit and vegetable juices, flavoured water, energy and sports drinks, ready-to-drink coffee and tea, and flavoured milk and milk-based drinks. The list also includes food products which are inimical to a healthy diet, such as those with high saturated fats, trans fats, free sugars, and salt.