In a 317 to 164 vote, Mexico's lower house voted to pass a modified version of a bill that would levy a tax on junk food and sugary drinks. President Enrique Peña Nieto is expected to pass it into law.
High-calorie foods -- defined as foods containing 275 calories or more per 100 grams -- will be taxed at five percent of the package price. Sodas will be charged an extra eight cents per liter.
Local corner stores are decrying the decision, calling it the "Bloomberg tax" in reference to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's failed push to limit the sale of large sodas.
Earlier this year, the FAO reported (pdf) that Mexico had moved past the U.S. as the world's most obese country, and obesity-related diabetes is the number one cause of death for Mexicans.
However, Mexico's law seems to be about more than just encouraging healthier food choices. The Wall Street Journal reports that this tax is part of a larger movement by President Peña Nieto to increase Mexico's non-oil tax collections.
Read More:
- Mexico's Chamber of Deputies OKs junk food tax (Los Angeles Times)
- Mexico Lower House Approves Tax Law Adding Junk Food Levy (Bloomberg)
- Mexico Tries Taxes to Combat Obesity (Wall Street Journal)
