Chennai

They say that it will prove as a deterrent as lifestyle diseases are on the rise. However, nutritionists say that if the move is to curb consumption of junk food, the tax may not serve the purpose entirely.

Talking to DTNext , Dr K Kolandaswamy, Director, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Tamil Nadu, said that it was an effective move and that tax on tobacco had seen a decrease in consumption pattern globally. “It would be interesting to see how this works. It is a good idea and as in the case of tobacco tax, as revealed by studies by the World Health Organisation, the tax can deter consumption. The tax could also come in handy in educating people about the harmful effects of junk food consumption. Though education is a long-term process, it makes considerable impact. This can be followed by screening measures,” he said.

A source from the Health and Family Welfare Department said that given the rise in number of lifestyle diseases, the step was in the right direction. The source added, “It is an experimental move and has to be lauded for the straight approach. Lifestyle diseases are increasing steadily and this measure could help control them. Walk into any mall, you see how addicted we are to junk food. As a result of this, like organic foods today, our traditional foods might return as costlier options tomorrow.”

However, nutritionists point out that the move targets only Western food, while there are several native food items that are equally high in fat, if not more.

“Ghee dosas, samosas and sweet polis are classic examples. Even sweet dishes are fattening and are just as bad as the western junk food, when had in excess. Some of them have more than 20 per cent fat,” says Anusha Priyadarsini K, Nutritionist, Motherhood.

Dr Dharini Krishnan, consultant dietician, says that the tax will affect only those who have limited income. “There are many who will still go ahead and consume it, irrespective of the tax,” she says.

Native food items high in fat

Ghee dosa
Bhajji
Pakodas
Samosa
Sweet poli
Pav bhaji

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