PHI study: Taxes on sugary drinks should be increased, and taxes on healthy ones should be reduced

2026-05-12 22:12:11, Sociale CNA

PHI study: Taxes on sugary drinks should be increased, and taxes on healthy ones

Taxes on sugary drinks should be increased and those on healthy foods should be reduced in order to curb obesity that is rapidly spreading in the population, states a study by Public Health experts in our country, "Fiscal Policies for Health: The Role of Food Taxes for a Healthy Diet."

According to the latest data from the Institute of Public Health for 2025, our country is heading towards an epidemic, with over 30% of Albanian men and 28% of Albanian women being obese. This situation does not spare the younger generation either, as figures show that obesity in children affects 14% of them. These data indicate a heavy health and economic burden, given that malnutrition and excessive consumption of products with high fat, sugar and salt content are directly linked to the outbreak of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which remain the main causes of mortality in the country.

To address this crisis, health experts have proposed the use of fiscal policies for health, which include taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods, which work by increasing the cost of harmful products and creating a financial barrier that discourages excessive consumption.

On the other hand, this system provides for the subsidization of quality foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, making them more affordable for consumers. The logic of this strategy is based on the fact that price is the main factor that dictates buyer behavior, especially among low-income groups, which are even more at risk of malnutrition.

Internationally, this approach has yielded concrete results and Albania can learn a lot from these experiences. A good example is the United Kingdom, which in 2018 implemented the Soft Drinks Industry Tax (SDIL). This law forced manufacturers to reduce the amount of sugar in their recipes to avoid the high tax, leading to a massive reformulation of products on the market.

France has also strengthened its policies since 2012, applying a progressive tax based on the amount of sugar, while Slovenia has just taken a radical step in 2025, increasing the VAT on sugary drinks from 9.5% to 22%. These countries do not see these taxes as simply raising money, but as an investment, as the revenue generated is directly reinvested in health education programs in schools and physical activities for young people.

In Latin America, Colombia has applied an innovative model by taxing highly processed foods containing high levels of salt and fat, with a gradual increase of up to 20% by 2025.

Hungary, on the other hand, has a long experience with excise taxes on unhealthy foods, which has significantly influenced the changing eating habits of the population.

However, experts claim that for Albania, the implementation of these measures carries special challenges, such as the need to cope with the resistance of the food industry and their powerful lobbies.

Cost analysis in Albania shows that in 2016 alone, over 111,000 cases of diabetes were attributed to obesity, with an economic cost exceeding $84 million. This figure is undoubtedly higher today, making the need for an integrated approach urgent.

Health taxes should be seen as a protection for a healthcare system that is groaning under the burden of chronic diseases. By following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, Albania has the opportunity to turn fiscal policies into a shield for public health, ensuring that the food environment no longer favors cheap and harmful products./ Monitor.al