Open Letter to the Romanian Government on the proposed "junk-food" tax

Romania, like many European countries, has been greatly affected by the burden of obesity; one in four people suffer from the condition and one in two people are overweight. In parallel, diabetes type II, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases are also on the increase. Romania is not alone, and patterns in Europe have led to a situation whereby diet-related diseases now represent the cause of 60% of premature deaths.

The proposed initiative in Romania would not only target the consumption of foods that are high in fats, salt, sugars and additives, but would also increase the revenue for the public health sector and would allow for increased spending on disease prevention work.

EPHA refers to the significant evidence base that shows that interventions to affect the price of certain food products are effective if they are supported by measures to increase the affordability of healthier products (such as fruit and vegetables) and health information campaigns. Furthermore, a comprehensive tax targetting products high in fats, salt and sugars, possible with the use of nutrient profiles, would impact upon those products that are particularly unhealthy. The initiative could also encourage research and innovation and lead to an increased commitment to reformulation.

Elena Oana Antonescu MEP (EPP, RO), a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Health, expressed her support for the proposal at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg and said that the link between obesity and fast food is well-documented: ’’Encouraging the consumption of healthy food should become a central element of EU policy... An EU programme based on [this] initiative would be very welcome and... could lead to a healthier standard diet in the EU."

The tax could form a central pillar of an appropriate food policy that combines evidence-based and transparent labelling policy, strict controls on the use of health and nutrition claims, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy food and drink products and subsidies to make healthier options more affordable. The implications of work on food policy at a European level should not be underestimated and all partners should ensure that action at a Member State level are complemented by a strong EU framework.

The Romanian proposal represents a significant step forward in the campaign against obesity, and would go beyond schemes in place in countries such as Denmark. The proposal is also innovative in that it will generate income for the public health sector. In times of economic crisis, increased action to tackle preventable disease is particularly welcome, even more so when considering the social gradient of obesity, cardiovascular and other diet-related diseases. Increased revenue for the public health sector should allow for the expansion of work on disease prevention.

The European public health community strongly supports these types of measures that represent effective public health interventions. EPHA strongly encourages the Romanian Government to continue in the direction of the proposed initiative. EPHA hopes that the Romanian Government will create a precedent for Europe in terms of enabling people to make healthier choices.

Please find the body of the letter attached.

EPHA related articles:

EPHA Position on Nutrient Profiles