The SWEET Act: US introduces a bill to tax sugary drinks

US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has introduced a Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax Act of 2014 (SWEET Act).LauraDeLauro

The SWEET Act would amend the US tax code code to impose a one-cent tax on manufacturers for every teaspoon of added sugar in beverages.

The revenue from the tax would go toward initiatives designed to reduce the human and economic costs associated with health conditions related to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

Scientific research shows a very clear relationship between the consumption of sugary drinks and obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health problems,” said Marlene Schwartz, PhD, Director of Yale Rudd Center. “Given the pervasive marketing of sugary drinks in the U.S. today, we need to encourage families to make healthy choices. A soda tax has the potential to do just that.

Sugar consumption-related diseases are responsible for an estimated $190 billion in annual health care costs just in the US.

30 Aug – reportedly, the UK Faculty for Public Health are due to call for national food policy including sugar tax in their manifesto next month

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