The Battle for Public Health: Why Unhealthy Foods are Not Taxed, and How to Change it

The world is filled with conflicting voices when it comes to public health and nutrition. Why are unhealthy foods not taxed while healthy foods are subsidized? This question is not only puzzling but also a contentious issue in many countries, including the United States. This article delves into the politics, challenges, and potential solutions to this complex problem.

The Complexities and Challenges

One of the primary reasons behind the lack of taxation on unhealthy foods is the opposition from the powerful food industry. Giants in the food sector stand to lose significant profits if taxes were to be imposed. Additionally, the issue is complicated by the absence of a universally accepted definition for 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' foods. While some unhealthy substances, like alcohol, are already subject to taxation, the focus is often on added sugars, which can be challenging to regulate due to the intensity of the food industry's lobbying efforts.

The story of Mike Bloomberg's attempt to introduce a soda tax in New York serves as a prime example of this struggle. Despite his strong stance and determined efforts, the powerful lobby managed to thwart his proposal. This underscores the significant political and economic barriers in place.

Policies and Politics

Current policies are often influenced by the interests of large industries, with little emphasis on public health. The inertia in reform is significant, as changes that benefit health can be met with resistance from those whose profits are at stake. This inertia extends beyond the United States, affecting policies around the world as certain foods continue to dominate people's interests.

A look at the state of public institutions further illustrates the challenges. For instance, the ongoing debate over the purpose of having a police force in some areas reflects the broader issue of policy and reform. If a city council seriously considers disbanding the police, it highlights the societal and political challenges in implementing meaningful change.

Immediate Solutions

While the broader policy changes are challenging, there are simple steps that can be taken in the immediate future. One such step is to ban artificial and toxic ingredients. A short, simple list of ingredients that should be banned or severely restricted includes:

MALTODEXTRIN MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) SODIUM NITRATES BROMINE BENZOATE HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

By starting with these key ingredients, a significant improvement can be achieved in public health. The harmful effects of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup are well-documented, and their removal would be a crucial first step.

Current State of Subsidies and Taxation

Another issue is the current state of food subsidies. While some argue that there should be more funding for healthy food production, the same industries that oppose taxation often support subsidies for less healthy food products. This further complicates the issue, as it shifts the focus from public health to economic interests.

Consider the example of orange juice from concentrate and corn chips. These are often marketed as healthy options, yet they are far from it. The current lack of agreement on what is truly unhealthy, coupled with the inertia in changing policies, leaves the public health agenda at risk.

Conclusion

The battle to improve public health through taxation and subsidies of unhealthy and healthy foods, respectively, is far from over. Political and economic barriers, lack of agreement on what constitutes 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' foods, and the influence of powerful industries make the implementation of effective policies challenging. However, every step towards banning harmful ingredients and promoting healthy choices is a step in the right direction.