Health labels 'more effective than fat tax'
Friday 8th April 2011
Putting health warning labels on food would be a more effective way to tackle obesity than introducing a "fat tax", research has shown.
A University of Alberta study found that the cost of a product is not enough to deter overweight individuals from opting for unhealthy food. However, when a high fat content warning was visible on the packaging, consumers considered their choice in more depth.
While the consumer groups with a lower body mass did take heed of the elevated prices for items with a higher fat content, the most overweight group appeared to take notice only of the warning label.
Study leader Sean Cash said: "Based on the reaction of shoppers, a tax seems to be the least effective for the people you want to reach most."
This comes after more than 170 organisations including McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut have signed up to the government's responsibility deal designed to promote healthier eating and will involve displaying calories clearly on menus.
Written by Martin Lambert
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