EU-Wide Sugar Tax Recommended as Way to Boost Health Outcomes

An EU-wide tax on sugary drinks would drive down heart disease and diabetes, according to a study sponsored by the European Commission.

The study, published Thursday, found that a “significant increase in retail prices can lead to measurable consumption changes” with health outcomes particularly felt among lower income groups.

The tax should be developed jointly by tax and health ministries and communicated as a health instrument, the study recommended, pointing out that the measure should not primarily be a revenue-raising tool.

The EU does not currently have a bloc-wide tax on sugar, but 11 EU countries and the region ...