Brazil is undergoing intense discussions in Congress to approve a Tax Reform in the country. In relation to food, the aim is to establish a basic basket containing healthy food. The regulatory proposal sent by the federal government to Congress provides for soft drinks to be surcharged by excise duty, alongside tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
However, health and economics experts are concerned about the behind-the-scenes movement by the ultra-processed beverage industry, which is partnering with various organizations and business associations, including those from other sectors, to try to overturn the government’s proposal to include soft drinks in the excise tax.
With this in mind, Colansa, together with dozens of health organizations, has signed a public statement warning Brazilian society about the ultra-processed beverage industry’s strategies to keep soft drinks out of the excise tax.
Read the statement below (Portuguese):