The Finance Ministry's proposal to levy a 15% tax on fruits and vegetables could have a devastating effect on Israelis' health and might end up costing more money to the State due to the increased spending on treating obesity, diabetes and colon cancer, health experts wanted this week.
The experts suggested that instead of taxing fruits and vegetables, the government will tax unhealthy, fattening and sugar-filled products.
One out of every five teenagers in Israel
and 62% of adults are overweight or obese, according to Health Ministry data.
MK Dr. Rachel Adato (Kadima) noted that "the Health and Education Ministries are working together to decrease obesity by educating students on the benefits of exercise and healthy nutrition, and encouraging them to eat seven units of fruits and vegetables each day."
According to Adato, the new tax initiative reflects "shortsightedness", because "the anticipated addition to the state's treasury will be smaller than the long-term cost of the treatment for complications caused by obesity."
Prof. Manfred Green, chairman of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at Tel Aviv University, explained that according to the World Health Organization, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables can save the lives of over 2.7 million people worldwide every year, while low consumption of these foods is one of the10 leading risk factors for mortality.
"Levying VAT on fruits and vegetables… will lead to reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption among the entire population, and mainly among the weaker sectors," he stated.
Meanwhile, the Israel Ambulatory Pediatrics Association recommended levying a tax on unhealthy food products. "Most western countries are discussing taxing high-sugar, high-calories products in a bid to lower their consumption. In Israel, in a questionable, destructive decision, the government is interested in taxing the healthy foods, whose consumption is vital for children's health," said Prof. Mati Berkovitch, the associations' chairman.
RSS
