Anything to control obesity: 'Fat tax' of 14.5% on pizzas & burgers in Kerala

New Delhi: A 'fat tax' of 14.5% on pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and tacos sold in branded restaurants was proposed by the CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala as a part of its Budget for 2016-17. A 5% tax has also been imposed on packaged products made out of wheat, maida, sooji and rava on Friday. The move which aims to promote healthy eating habits is expected to have a severe impact on fast food joints like Mc Donalds, Dominos and Pizza Hut. The government hopes that though the high taxes may not dissuade children to stop eating junk food altogether but their imposition will certainly reduce the consumption by a considerable amount. Reportedly, teenage girls in Kerala, which is the second most obese state in the country experience harmful effects of obesity. Such worldwide obesity rates prompted the government to impose such a heavy tax on fast food. The government is committed to work for the welfare of its people even though the outcome is still being debated.