Soft drinks sugar tax comes into force in the UK

China Plus Published: 2018-04-11 18:11:41
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The UK is now levying a tax on high-sugar drinks in a bid to reduce obesity.

Under the new tax, drinks with 5-8 grams of sugar per 100ml will be hit with a tax of £0.18, or $0.26 per liter. Those with over 8 grams of sugar per 100ml will have to pay £0.24 for each liter. As an example, a can of Coco-Cola will now cost an extra £0.1, or $0.14.

Sugar drinks cause health problems[File photo: IC]

Sugar drinks cause health problems[File photo: IC]

With the new tax, a number of soft drinks brands including Fanta and Lucozade have cut the sugar content in their drinks. However, Coca-Cola is still maintaining its original sugar content, saying consumers want the original formula. 

Over 30 countries in the world now levy a "sugar tax." Norway was among the earliest to collect a sugar tax, and now boasts some of the lowest obesity rates in the world. South Africa is also expected to start collecting a "sugar tax" this month.

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