The Russian excise tax on sugar was considered very “humane”

Sugar consumption in the country is 4 times the recommended amount

Many people have heard that sugar is white death. Excess sugar in the diet leads to the development of metabolic syndrome, which is manifested by obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc. Many countries are taking various measures to discourage people from sweets, especially from sugar-containing drinks, which make a significant contribution to the development of problems with health. Already 45 countries around the world, considering the costs of the consequences of obesity, taxed sugar-containing drinks. In Russia, the excise tax on them was introduced just recently.

Sugar-laden soft drinks contribute to overweight and obesity, and children with these conditions are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke later in life. At the same time, overweight and obesity increase the risk of hospitalization by 75% and 159%, respectively. To a large extent, this is facilitated by the consumption of sweet tea, soda, juices and energy drinks.

Since July 1, excise duty has been introduced in Russia for soft drinks that contain sugar (glucose, fructose, etc.), sugar syrup or honey. The excise tax is 7 rubles per liter. Experts consider this measure very humane. For example, recently in African Ghana they immediately introduced a 20% tax on sugar-containing drinks. As Professor Oleg Medvedev, scientific director of the Healthy Nutrition Research Center, says, the situation in Russia is deplorable, since sugar consumption per capita is 4 times higher than the recommended norm:

– To prevent diseases caused by sugars, the UN back in 2011, and then the WHO, recommended reducing the consumption of sugars and for this purpose increasing the tax on sugary drinks and foods high in added sugars by at least 20%. Over the past 10 years since 2013, 45 countries, regions and, in some countries, individual cities, have introduced increased taxes on sweetened drinks. For example, in India, such a tax is 40%, and in Saudi Arabia – 100%. In total, this applies to more than 1 billion people on the planet.

How effective is this measure?

— Research results have been published on the effectiveness of such taxes on the purchase and consumption of such beverages. On average, a 10% tax reduces the consumption of sugary drinks by 10%. Representatives of the medical community consider this situation with taxes “the new normal.”

Are these tax measures enough?

– It is also required to conduct educational events in schools, universities, in the media about the need to reduce sugar consumption. It is important to start educational work among parents with young children, as the basic food traditions are established in early childhood and the family is crucial. Schools organize various quizzes and competitions on the knowledge of the principles of healthy eating, extracurricular circles and sections on preparing healthy foods also contribute to this.

Published in the newspaper “Moskovsky Komsomolets” No. 29103 dated August 30, 2023

Newspaper headline:
Sweet cous – do not eat up!