Should Government Impose Higher Tax On Fast Food?

Fast food has come under fire over the past decade. Following the proliferation and ubiquity of fast food, scientists pose a serious concern on its adverse impact. In order to tackle with the life-threatening effects of these devilish dishes, imposing higher tax on fast food is seemingly a brilliant solution. However, in my opinion, it is a temporary and inefficient solution to a real urgent social issue.

Numerous research studies have indicated that fast food expose people to obesity, heart disease and diabetes and other chronic diseases, which would eventually lead you to a life on medication. Regular consumption of junk food even for few days can lead to a mental meltdown, let alone years of poor eating. The more junk food you consume, the less likely you are to consume the essential nutrients that your body relies on. Essential nutrients can be found in deliberate home-cooked meals. Not only they promise good health, but also serve as a unifying element in your family life.

Money is a big motivator, therefore, imposing higher tax can make fast food and processed food less appealing, as well as deter people from constant consumption. That being said, the negative aspect of the solution outweigh the positive one.

First of all, the junk food tax is really just a tax on the poor, due to the fact that the majority of excessive consumers are low-income residents who need to tighten their belt. When everything they are likely to buy rises in price, they have less money to afford non-food purchases. This situation turns them hard up and miserable. It’s what economists call an income effect. The only result seems to extract more tax from those people in society that have the least options and the hardest time making ends meet.

Secondly, imposing higher tax on fast food industry would afflict the economy. The fast food industry provides jobs to millions ranging from unskilled workers to university students struggling with tuition fees. In 2008 alone fast food companies hired two million workers just in the United States. Moreover, it is the largest purchaser of beef, pork, and potatoes, and second-largest purchaser of chicken. In short, if fast food industry falls, so does the economy.

From my point of view, there are many better methods. For instance, the government's recommended banning from opening near schools, or make healthy fruits and vegetables cheaper so that average people can afford. In conclusion, imposing higher tax on fast food will only solve the problem half-way. We should consider more practical solutions.