For the first time, choosing to consume fatty foods may finally cost a citizen much more money than it has in the past. A junk food tax has been proposed and as you might have expected, it has caused quite the commotion among observers. In order to learn more about the pros and cons associated with a junk food tax, read on.
List of Pros of Junk Food Tax
1. Increase In Revenue
Simply raising the taxes on junk food is not enough to make people stop their consumption. While this may be considered problematic to many, for government bodies that wish to provide themselves with an increased revenue stream, this is a huge boon to their bottom line. Since most people are who are addicted to junk food do not have the ability
2. Less Unemployment
One of the main obstacles for many obese people is the ability to find gainful employment. Many workplaces do not hire those who are heavyset, for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons are logistical, while some are financial, as no employer wishes to provide insurance coverage to a worker who is more likely to have severe health related issues.
3. Healthier Diets
There are many who will make the appropriate changes to their diet, because they are no longer able to afford the expenses associated with a junk food reliance. Not only will people be encouraged to eat healthier, but manufacturers are also spurred to create healthier alternatives for a newly weight conscious population.
List of Cons of Junk Food Tax
1. What Constitutes Junk Food?
The definition of what constitutes a junk food item is very broad and difficult to ascertain. There are several foods that can be construed as junk when consumed a certain way, such as cheese or ground beef. When purchased separately, they can be used in healthy ways, while they can also be used in tandem to create cheeseburgers, which are often considered unhealthy. Figuring out how to tax foods like these is nearly impossible.
2. Obesity Is Caused By Other Factors
Every person who is obese did not get there by eating fatty foods. In many cases, an obese person could be struggling with glandular issues or simply not be able to lose weight as rapidly as someone else can. There are also those who believe that lack of exercise has more to do with obesity than cuisine choices.
3. Freedom Infringement
Any time a tax is levied on an item that is considered to be harmless or legal, the freedom infringement argue arises. Isn’t it a person’s right to eat whatever foods they desire, regardless of the health implications? Trying to resolve this common argument is not something that will happen overnight.
