The European Commission is considering proposing a levy next year on highly processed foods with high fat, sugar and salt content, according to a draft document seen by dpa on Sunday.
In the paper, which is to be presented in mid-December, the authority said the levy would provide incentives for healthier eating.
The authors wrote that an “EU-wide micro tax” can keep prices stable and produce changes in consumer behaviour without causing undue financial harm.
Manufacturers would be motivated to make their products healthier. The revenue from the levy would be used exclusively for EU-wide health promotion programmes.
Commission points to 1.7 million deaths
The commission emphasized that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the European Union, with more than 1.7 million cases annually. The economic cost is more than €280 billion ($325 billion) per year.
There is evidence linking high consumption of highly processed foods to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and metabolic diseases, the authority noted.
In addition to the taxes, the health plan also provides for the modernization of tobacco control legislation by 2027 and the introduction of a Europe-wide rating system for processed foods.
The European Commission aims to reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease by 20% by 2035 through various initiatives.