超116个国家对含糖饮料征税 中国“控糖”有哪些举措

Core Viewpoint - The rapid growth of sugary beverage consumption in China is a significant factor contributing to the country's status as having the highest number of overweight and obese individuals globally. The implementation of a sugary beverage tax is being considered as a potential public health measure to mitigate this issue [1][2]. Global Sugar Control Trends - The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a 14% increase in global sugary beverage consumption from 2013 to 2024. As of July 2024, at least 116 countries have implemented national-level taxes on sugary beverages. WHO recommends that countries enhance tax policies to effectively reduce sugar intake [2]. - Evidence from international practices shows that sugary beverage taxes can reduce consumption. For instance, Mexico saw a 12% decrease in sugary beverage sales within a year of implementing a tax, while the UK achieved a 43.7% reduction in sugar content in taxed beverages from 2015 to 2019 [2]. Economic and Health Impact of Taxation - A study published in The Lancet Public Health estimates that a 20% increase in sugary beverage prices in China could lead to 3.67 million health life years gained and prevent approximately 130,000 premature deaths from 2026 to 2050, generating additional tax revenue of 295.5 billion yuan [3]. - Implementing a 20% tax on sugary beverages nationwide could reduce health-related costs by 24 billion yuan and avoid productivity losses of 215 billion yuan, resulting in an overall economic benefit of approximately 4.51 trillion yuan [3]. Comprehensive Intervention Beyond Taxation - China has not yet implemented a sugary beverage tax, and local empirical studies on its effectiveness are lacking. The potential of sugary beverage taxes remains underutilized [4]. - Research indicates that while a sugary beverage tax can reduce consumption among low-income households, the increase in high-sugar substitutes may lead to an overall increase in total energy intake, suggesting that a tax alone may not effectively lower obesity rates [5]. Policy Tools for Sugar Consumption Control - Current sugar control measures in China focus on "information disclosure" and "environmental improvement." Policies like the "Healthy China Action" and the "National Nutrition Plan 2017-2030" provide a framework for public health initiatives [6]. - Shanghai has implemented health warning labels and a nutrition grading system for sugary beverages, which has led to a significant decrease in sugary beverage sales, demonstrating the effectiveness of mandatory information disclosure [7]. Insights from Shanghai's Experience - The "Shanghai model" shows that simplified nutritional information can effectively lower consumer decision-making costs and that health-conscious consumers are willing to pay a premium for low-sugar options, indicating a sustainable market for healthier products [8]. - However, the success of the Shanghai model may not be easily replicable nationwide due to differences in income and education levels. It is recommended to promote nationwide trials of sugary beverage grading systems while encouraging innovation among companies [8].