2024-11-04 20:25:00
Cans of soda are on display at Kwik Stop Liquor in San Diego, California February 13, 2014. SAM HODGSON/REUTERS
The text aimed to limit the quantity of sugars in sodas. It was rejected before being drafted and finally adopted on Monday November 4 by the deputies. The latter approved on Monday, November 4, a reform of the « <a href="https://www.archyde.com/why-are-drinks-cheaper-in-france-understanding-price-differences-in-supermarkets/" title="Why are Drinks Cheaper in France? Understanding Price Differences in Supermarkets”>soda tax »intended to limit the quantity of sugars in this type of drink, as part of the first reading examination of the Social Security budget.
The Social Affairs Committee requested Monday evening a second deliberation on an amendment from socialist Jérôme Guedj that the National Assembly had rejected in the morning. It was retained by 142 votes for and 100 against. The “rebels”, who had abstained on Monday morning, voted for Mr. Guedj’s amendment, adding their voices to those of the rest of the left, MoDem and Horizons. The LR and Ensemble pour la République (EPR, ex-Renaissance) deputies were divided.
This amendment, sub-amended by the general rapporteur Yannick Neuder (LR), plans to reform the tax on sodas by creating three tax brackets, instead of sixteen, drawing inspiration from the British model. British tax “made it possible to reduce the proportion of drinks above the first threshold (5 grams per milliliter) by 40% and the total reduction in sugar intake would be estimated at 30 grams per household per week, an effect four times greater to French tax »develops the statement of reasons for the amendment.
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Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq (MoDem) supported the amendment as did her predecessor Frédéric Valletoux (Horizons). Former Minister of Consumer Affairs and EPR MP Olivia Grégoire opposed it, highlighting a possible impact of the tax on the price paid by the consumer. The deputies also adopted an amendment from the ecologist Sabrina Sebaihi, aiming to introduce a tax on added sugars in processed food products, against the advice of the government.
Tax on prosthesis advertising
The Assembly also approved the obligation for food manufacturers to mention the nutriscore of their products in their advertising. Those who do not comply with this constraint would have to pay a « contribution » to Social Security, equal to 5% of their advertising budget.
By exception, products benefiting from an AOP, IGP, red label or other mention “mountain products” will not be affected by this obligation, in order to avoid a negative display from which most cheeses, in particular, would suffer.
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MEPs also voted for a tax on advertising for hearing aids (in order to discourage “excessive and misleading advertising practices” leading to “ill-suited purchases”), as well as a system aimed at lowering the cost of complementary mutual insurance for retirees, the unemployed or unemployed young people.
These votes, however, have no definitive character, the text is only beginning its parliamentary journey, and due to the probable use by the government of article 49-3 which will allow it to retain in the final text the amendments of his choice.
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**Interview with Health Policy Expert Dr. Louise Martin on France’s New Beverage Tax Reform**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martin. The recent reform to the soda tax in France has generated quite a bit of discussion. Can you explain the main changes brought about by this new legislation?
**Dr. Martin:** Absolutely! The new reform, adopted on November 4, 2023, simplifies the existing tax structure from sixteen different brackets down to three. This aims to streamline the taxation of sugary drinks, making it more effective in reducing sugar consumption. Unlike the previous system, the new structure is modeled after the UK’s successful beverage tax, which has been credited with significant reductions in sugar intake.
**Interviewer:** What are the anticipated effects of this reform on public health?
**Dr. Martin:** The intent behind the reform is largely health-driven. For instance, evidence from the UK suggested that their tax model led to a 40% reduction in high-sugar drinks. If similar outcomes are seen in France, we could potentially see a decrease in sugar consumption by about 30 grams per household per week. This could have lasting health benefits by lowering risks associated with obesity and related chronic diseases.
**Interviewer:** Some critics worry about the impact of such a tax on consumer prices. What’s your take on that?
**Dr. Martin:** It’s a valid concern. Higher taxes on sugary drinks can lead to increased prices for consumers, which may disproportionately affect lower-income households. However, the hope is that by discouraging excessive sugar consumption through these price signals, we will ultimately encourage healthier choices. It’s a balance that policymakers will need to continue monitoring and adjusting.
**Interviewer:** Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq has shown support for this amendment. Do you think political backing can help ensure its success?
**Dr. Martin:** Political support is crucial for effective implementation and monitoring of this reform. The backing from multiple parties, including MoDem and Horizons, indicates a broader consensus on the importance of tackling high sugar consumption. However, we also need to ensure that consumer concerns are addressed—perhaps through educational campaigns about the benefits of reduced sugar intake.
**Interviewer:** what steps do you think the government should take next to maximize the impact of this tax reform?
**Dr. Martin:** Moving forward, the government should invest in public health campaigns that educate citizens about the health risks of high sugar intake and the advantages of choosing low-sugar alternatives. Additionally, continued evaluation of the tax’s impact on consumption patterns is essential, as well as being open to adjustments based on what the data reveals. Engagement with the beverage industry to promote reformulations could also assist in this public health initiative.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Martin. It’s clear that while this reform holds promise, its success will depend on various factors.
**Dr. Martin:** Thank you for having me! It will certainly be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming months.