“We strongly support the increase in the tax on sweetened beverages in Mexico and urge that it reaches levels that increase its final price by at least 20%,” they noted.
The position was signed by members of the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico, the National Association of Cardiologists of Mexico, the Mexican College of Nutritionists, the Mexican Society of Obesity, the World Obesity Federation and the World Association of Public Health and Nutrition, in addition to the INSP, among other institutions.
Health professionals explained that the consumption of sugary drinks is associated with the development of obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases and some types of cancer, and Mexico is one of the countries with the highest consumption of these products.
“Soda consumption is associated with more than 200,000 new cases of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases each year in our country, generating an enormous burden on the health system and the economy,” they noted.
That is why they consider it urgent to increase the special tax. The proposal was approved this Wednesday in the Finance Commission of the Chamber of Deputies and contemplates raising the tariff from 1.64 pesos per liter to 3.08 pesos. The opinion is expected to be discussed this Thursday in plenary.
However, specialists ask that the increase reach 5 pesos and that the tax be adjusted annually according to inflation and economic growth, since the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends establishing a tax on sugary drinks that increases their prices by at least 20%.
Of the 80 countries that have applied taxes on sugary drinks, Mexico is one of those with the lowest tariff: it is equivalent to 4.79% of the sales price. In the United States it almost reaches 30%.
“Increasing the rate is essential to achieve a sustained impact on the health of the population: fewer cases of obesity and diabetes, reduction of direct and indirect costs for health care, greater economic productivity and long-term social benefits,” they stated.
Members of the Mexican Association for the Multidisciplinary Study of Metabolic Syndrome, the Mexican Association for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis and its Complications, the Group of Experts in Arterial Hypertension, the Metropolitan Autonomous University and the University of the State of Mexico also joined the call.
