Fat tax: Clearer labelling before taxation

10.59.42am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 19th Feb 2004

Before resorting to taxation, the Government should talk to the food industry about the role they can play in fighting obesity, Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said today.

Mr Burstow's comments follow a report in today's Times that the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit is considering extending VAT on some fatty foods.

Paul Burstow MP said:

"Before reaching for the heavy club of taxation to tackle obesity, the Government should be talking to the food industry about much clearer labelling of their products so that people can make informed judgments about how individual foods fit into a healthy diet.

"We all have personal responsibility for our own weight but that should not let the food industry off the hook. The industry must demonstrate that it is a willing partner in the fight against obesity."