Colombia passes ambitious ‘junk food law’ to tackle lifestyle diseas

Colombia has passed an ambitious "junk food w" that taxes ultra-processed foods and drinks in an effort to tackle lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The law, which was passed by the Colombian Congress in November 2023, will impose a tax of 10% on ultra-processed foods and drinks, rising to 20% by 2025. Ultra-processed foods are defined as foods that have been industrially manufactured and contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

The law is a landmark piece of legislation that makes Colombia one of the first countries in the world to explicitly tax ultra-processed foods. It is also one of the most comprehensive laws of its kind, covering a wide range of products, including sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fast food.

The law is expected to have a significant impact on public health in Colombia. Obesity rates in Colombia have doubled in the past two decades, and the country has one of the highest rates of diabetes in Latin America. The junk food tax is expected to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks, and help to improve the health of the Colombian population.

The law has been welcomed by public health experts, who say it is a bold step to tackle the epidemic of lifestyle diseases in Colombia.

"This law is a major victory for public health in Colombia," said Beatriz Champagne, executive director of the Coalition for Americas' Health, a Latin American advocacy group. "It will help to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods and drinks, which are a major driver of obesity and other chronic diseases."

However, the law has also been met with opposition from the food and beverage industry, which says it will lead to higher prices and job losses.

"This tax is unfair and will hurt the Colombian people," said a spokesperson for the Colombian Chamber of Food Industry. "It will lead to higher prices for food and drinks, and it will cost jobs in the food and beverage sector."

Despite the opposition, the Colombian government is committed to implementing the junk food law. The tax is expected to generate $2.8 billion in revenue per year, which will be used to fund public health programs, such as school nutrition programs and health promotion campaigns.

The Colombian junk food law is a significant step forward in the fight against lifestyle diseases. It is a model that other countries can follow as they seek to tackle the epidemic of obesity and other chronic diseases.