Chennai: With the Kerala government having introduced a ‘fat tax’ in the state for junk food sold by branded joints, people in Tamil Nadu are excited about whether the same, if implemented in the state, would prove beneficial or not.
Kerala’s bold step to introduce the 14.5 per cent tax on food items like burgers, pizzas, doughnuts, and pasta sold through branded restaurants is one that is expected to have a positive impact on the public health. With the step being taken to tackle obesity among schoolchildren and adults, some parents are of the opinion that it would help bring down the junk food consumption among children.
“It is not necessarily the parents who spoil their children. My son is in the second standard and he takes sandwiches or chapathis for tiffin. Sometimes, he takes dosa with sugar or chutney. However, he tends to leave his tiffin box untouched as he gets tempted by the junk food his friends bring to class,” said C. Lakshmi, a homemaker. “If other parents are restricted by such a tax, it would help their children as well as our son,” she added.
“My daughter, who is in class 10, loves burgers and pizzas. She spends her pocket money on junk like this. However, if such a tax is introduced, she may realise she doesn’t have enough money to spend unnecessarily,” said Tamil Selvi from Pudhupettai.
The fat tax that has been levied is only on a few calorie-rich, non-essential food items, however, other junk items that are sold in smaller shops, are not covered.
“Fast food does not necessarily have to be pizzas or burgers. What about patties and samosas sold in smaller stalls? If one is not serious about their health, imposing a small tax like this is not going to stop them from consuming junk,” said gym trainer Gershom Peters. “At the gym, we have a concept called ‘cheat day’ when the health conscious individuals can indulge in whatever food they like. If the public follows that pattern - of eating some junk only once a week -the world would be a much better place,” he said.
