A new tax on junk food products will be introduced as of March 2010 in Romania, the proceeds of which will go on health programmes, EurActiv Romania reports. The move appears to set a worldwide precedent.
The new tax is due by the juridical persons who produce, import or process unhealthy foodstuffs, with a high content of salt, fats, sugar and additives.
Fast-food products;
The cake and candy-making industry;
Snacks and crisps, and;
Soda, except water and fresh bottled juice.
Health Minister Attila Czeke said on Tuesday (5 January) that he will introduce the fast-food tax in order to contribute to the country's health programmes.
He also said he had asked his administration to prepare details of the exact modalities of the new tax. He promised to hold discussions with producers and distributors of the products in question.
The proceeds, to be collected as of 1 March 2010, will be considered income for the health ministry to spend on health programmes.