Americans Say 'No' To Taxation On Soda And Candy
Shedding some light on the progressive debate over government restrictions on sugary sodas and candy, Thursday's Harris Interactive/Healthday poll shows that around 57 percent of US citizens are in opposition to soda and candy taxes.
"The idea of taxing calorie-rich candies and sodas may be popular with some public health advocates, who see them as major causes of the nation's obesity epidemic, but it is very unpopular with the public," said chairman of The Harris Poll, Humphrey Taylor.
A survey of 2,132 American adults asked participants to weigh in on the pros and cons of soda and candy sales tax. Around two-thirds of adults over the age of 18 agreed with the statement, "It should not be the role of government to influence what we eat and drink to make healthier choices."
Other than the projected 20 percent increase in soda costs, the majority of Americans believe the tax burden will pose no threat against obesity, Healthday reported.
According to the results, 51 percent of respondents disagreed with the statement, "Sales taxes on candies and sodas would help to reduce obesity."
"This is a strong vote against the 'nanny state,'" Taylor added.
Supporters of taxation on "junk food" point to the tax hike on tobacco products that significantly reduced the number of teen and adult smokers.
A recent study presented to the American Heart Association stated that sugary drinks were linked to 180,000 deaths around the world each year. The sugary content of the soft drink has been known to cause cardiovascular disease and even cancer.