Portugal is planning to increase its tax on sugary drinks and is also considering taxing food with high levels of saturated salt or fat, reports Jornal de Negocios.
In an interview with Lusa, Health Minister Adalberto Campos Fernandes said he is working with the Ministry of Finance and the industry to introduce a new 'smarter' profile model for sugary drinks, to better protect public health.
He expressed satisfaction with the results of the tax on sugary drinks, which was introduced in Portugal this year and has led to a 72% drop in the consumption of high-sugar beverages since February.
Health Focus
The money raised with this tax contributes to the sustainability of the Portugal's national health service, however, the minister says the most important thing is the direct effect it will have on people's health.
As for the extension of a similar tax to food products, Campos Fernandes says that food that is high in saturated fat and salt, will be a priority target.
He added that other measures have already been taken, such as the introduction of vegetarian menus in schools and restrictions on high-calorie foods in the vending machines of hospitals.
Campos Fernandes said that the government will be “more aggressive” on the issue in 2018.
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