Maharashtra looks at fast-food fat tax to curb obesity

According to a report in Live Mint​, the state has initiated a 17-member task force of public health experts to drive policy intended to curb deaths from lifestyle diseases, which state lawmakers believe are caused largely by fast food consumption.

Among the measures under consideration are high tax rates on fast food and a ban on advertising by the segment. A special tax would follow a proposal by Kerala’s government earlier this year to introduce a 14.5% tax on fast food.

“The task force will analyse the causes for such non-communicable diseases and give us recommendations. The objective is to bring a policy that promotes good health​,” a source told the paper.

According to a government resolution issued by the public health department, the task force is expected to suggest ways in which curbs could be imposed on fast food companies.

Yet one member of the group called on the state government to assess the prevalence of obesity and diabetes before the task force could make its recommendations. 

“Once this is done, the government can come out with an effective policy​,” Subhash Salunkhe, a former director general of state health services, told the Live Mint​.