Kerala has become the first Indian state to impose a "fat tax" on fast food items such as burgers, pizzas, tacos, and doughnuts served in major fast food chains across the state. The decision has been made by the recently-elected Communist government that is aiming to impose a 14.5 percent tax.
According to the government, the decision intends to make people make aware of the food choice they make and the methods to curb the epidemic of obesity. The Finance Minister Thomas Isaac says that the change in the eating habits of the people of Kerala has forced the government to impose such a tax. In fact, people have started to prefer junk food over the traditional food preparations.
After the northern state of Punjab, Kerala is one of the states with the most number of people suffering from obesity, according to National Health Survey data. As a result, a number of lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise and the fat tax intends to keep that in check.
However, the whole idea of a fast food chain and restaurants serving junk food is a new concept in the state. For example, famous fast food chain McDonald's has only seven restaurants in Kerala. On the other hand, Burger King recently launched it's very first outlet in Kochi.
Burger King did not comment on the new law implemented by the government. However, it did say that it will definitely study how the new tax law will affect the fast food outlet. Meanwhile, a McDonald's official said that it will study the proposal.
The owner of a popular cafe in Cochi, Isaac Alexander said that a lot of local food is fatty and very unhealthy. While having a tax is not a bad idea, it must be acceptable to all and must be a comprehensive one.
