Govt May Slash Cost of Healthy Foods Through Tax Cut

Government is working on a plan that could result in taxes being slashed on a basket of foods to make it more affordable for the public to eat healthy.

The proposal has been outlined by Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins as she addressed the opening of a workshop hosted by the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition.

The workshop focuses on the proposed introduction of front of label packaging to warn consumers about what’s contained in the foods they are purchasing.

This is against the background of continuing concern over the high prevalence in Barbados of diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Senator Cummins notes that government has already raised taxes on certain foods considered unhealthy but disclosed that they are now also considering ways to lower the cost of more wholesome items.

Senator Cummins emphasised the need to not just warn the public about the risks of certain food choices but to provide an incentive to choose healthier options.