Research Roundup

Colombia introduces junk food tax

30 January 2024

A World Report by The Lancet states that Colombia has implemented a tax on ultra-processed foods to tackle obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases. It follows the steps of other countries in the region that have introduced sugar taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. The new tax is being implemented gradually, beginning at 10%, before rising to 15% in 2024 and 20% in 2025, and targets foods that are high in sodium and saturated fat, as well as industrially manufactured prepackaged foods.  

The tax was included in a wider reform that passed into law in December 2022, seeking to reduce the burden of obesity and other diseases on Colombia’s health system, while also bringing in revenue in a country that manages a fiscal deficit. Negotiations between business lobbies in Colombia and the government achieved compromises, including a lower rate of tax for sugar-sweetened drinks that contain 6g -10g of sugar per 100mL compared with those that contain more than 10g per 100mL. Products regarded as traditional, such as a particular sausage, are exempt from the tax. 

Reference: Daniels JP. Colombia introduces junk food tax. The Lancet. 2024, 402 (10417): 2062. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)02628-4