After sodas, MPs are interested in a tax on sweets

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A candy raid for Halloween. Last week, the children had a blast. But next year they will probably cost more. An amendment soon to be discussed in the National Assembly received unanimous support. “This could perhaps allow children to lose a little of that taste for sweets that they constantly have. And so, in terms of public health, I think it was a very good idea“, estimates a Parisian. For a second passer-by interviewed: this measure could be “a bit like cigarettes, if it is more expensive, perhaps parents will reduce consumption“.

Producers would be taxed between 21 and 35 euros per 100 kilos of candy, depending on the sugar level. Only companies with a turnover of more than 10 million euros will be affected, to preserve artisanal businesses. Gilles Duault, director of the artisanal confectionery Kubli, is still very angry: “This will lead to the importation of foreign products. They will come more easily from Germany, Belgium or Italy, but especially from China“.

While 10 million French people were obese last year, will this tax be beneficial for public health? On the same principle, the tax on sodas, significantly increased last March, had mixed results. According to a consulting firm, during the first three months, prices on shelves increased by 6% and consumption fell by only 4%.

When it comes to candy, consumers are divided. “It won’t stop me from continuing to eat candy. It’s a vice and so I intend to see it through to the end“, jokes a regular consumer. For a second: “I think I will buy less because if it costs more, obviously we will buy less. Then it is not an essential need to have candy“.

The proceeds of this tax will be used, according to the deputies, to finance prevention programs against obesity.