Reading this made doing this morning's chores in the snow that much more fun.
The numbers are based on evidence that links meat consumption to increased risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.
Three years ago, the World Health Organization declared red meat such as beef, lamb and pork to be carcinogenic when eaten in processed forms, including sausages, bacon and beef jerky.
Health officials have also declared that unprocessed red meat like steak and burgers are "probably" carcinogenic. Other carcinogens such as cigarettes and alcohol are regulated in order to reduce cases of chronic disease.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Marco Springmann, from the Nuffield Department of Population Health at Oxford University, estimated the rate of tax that would be necessary to offset health care costs related to red meat consumption.
"The least intrusive form of regulation is a tax to raise prices and reduce consumption," Springmann told CNN.
Researchers concluded that the UK government should introduce a tax of 79% on processed meat such as bacon, and 14% on unprocessed meat such as steak.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Marco Springmann, from the Nuffield Department of Population Health at Oxford University, estimated the rate of tax that would be necessary to offset health care costs related to red meat consumption.
"The least intrusive form of regulation is a tax to raise prices and reduce consumption," Springmann told CNN.
Researchers concluded that the UK government should introduce a tax of 79% on processed meat such as bacon, and 14% on unprocessed meat such as steak.In fact, eating any ultra-processed food can increase the risk of cancer, obesity and diabetes, according to other research. That includes anything made with artificial flavors, additives and emulsifiers, or high levels of sugar and salt.
Governments around the world have already shown a willingness to tax products that have been linked with health problems, including cigarettes, alcohol and sugar. The UK government announced a new tax on sugary drinks in 2016 in an attempt to cut consumption, and more than 50% of manufacturers have reduced the amount of sugar in their drinks to avoid the levy which came into effect in April.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/07/health/meat-tax-healthcare-scientists-scli-intl/index.html
'Meat taxes' would save many lives......
