US experts have proposed the use of economic sanctions in a ‘cola war', which would boost the price of an average can of cola by 15%-20%. In the New England Journal of Medicine, the academics said: ‘The science base linking the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to the risk of chronic diseases is clear. Research suggests a tax ...would have strong positive effects on reducing consumption.'
British nutritional specialists have supported the idea, but have suggested that a tariff on sugar imports could have the same impact, but be less politically controversial.
Gordon Brown vetoed a plan for a tax on burgers and sweets in 2004, saying it would disproportionately affect consumers on lower incomes.
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