Junk food outlets might have to display calorie counts (Update)

Its three-pronged attack, Government is considering a tax on junk foods, educating school children and making fast food restaurants post calorie counts on items.

*Governor George Fergusson made the announcement this morning in the Speech from the Throne. However, a tax on junk foods and making restaurants display calorie counts are items Government is looking at and not an official policy at this point. The Governor had the wrong version of the Throne Speech, which included those items.

Health Minister Zane De Silva told the Bermuda Sun earlier this year that if he had his way he would take taxes on junk food “through the roof.”

Government is set to put ‘punitive measures’ on unhealthy food items in the coming year to help combat obesity.

The Governor said: “Obesity, which is associated with diabetes and heart disease is one of the biggest health issues that Bermuda faces, and one that contributes greatly to the cost of health care in Bermuda.”

He said the Ministry of Health with work with the Education Ministry “to encourage children to become more active and to bring healthy snacks and lunches to schools”.

He added that increased taxes on tobacco products would also be looked at.

Earlier this year, the Heath Minister was adamant about getting people to make better choices about the food they purchase because obesity is helping raise the cost of health care in Bermuda.

Mr De Silva said: “If I had my way, I’d make the tax three-four-hundred per cent for junk foods that aren’t good for us. Things like mayonnaise and deep fried foods.

“I’d love to see the tax increased (on junk food). I know we increased it on cigarettes, but it’s not something I’m adverse to. It’s something I’d like see raised on junk food — take them through the roof as far as I’m concerned.

“We have the highest rate of diabetes in the OECD. The rate that we’re on is certainly unsustainable that’s why our people… have been working really hard with health promotions.”

* Goverment said: Following His Excellency the Governor’s reading of the 2012 Speech From The Throne, the Cabinet Office has stated that an edit was missed in the larger print (reading) version produced for His Excellency. The noted paragraph spoke of higher import duties on ‘junk food’ and how tobacco products could be displayed in retail establishments. For the avoidance of doubt, the policy review of these matters is incomplete and do not constitute official government policy.

Members of the public may access copies of the 2012 Speech From The Throne on the government portal at www.gov.bm. A few hard copies are still available and may be collected at the Cabinet Office, and at the Department of Communication and Information while copies last.