Tax Alcohol & Junk Food to Fight Liver Disease, Experts Urge

European governments should significantly increase taxes on alcohol and unhealthy food to combat the escalating burden of liver disease across the continent, according to a report published Wednesday in The Lancet. The report, from a commission of experts from the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the medical journal, estimates that 284,000 deaths per year in Europe are attributable to liver disease.

The commission argues that increased taxation on these products could generate revenue to offset the substantial costs associated with liver disease, which extend beyond healthcare to include the criminal justice and social services systems. The report calls for a sharp rise in taxes, specifically enough to cover these costs.

Addressing the “Commercial Determinants of Health”

The experts emphasize the need to address what the World Health Organization (WHO) terms the “commercial determinants of health.” This refers to the practices of industries producing tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and fossil fuels, which the WHO believes contribute to 2.7 million deaths annually in Europe. The commission’s report urges the European Union and the WHO to encourage national governments to implement their recommendations.

The report advocates for comprehensive health warnings on all alcoholic products and restrictions on the marketing of alcoholic drinks and junk food to individuals under the age of 18, particularly online. These measures are presented as crucial steps in tackling “an escalating and unsustainable burden of liver disease.”

Lessons from Tobacco Control

The commission suggests that governments should draw lessons from the successful strategies employed in the fight against smoking in recent decades. This implies a need for similarly robust and sustained interventions to address the harmful effects of alcohol and unhealthy food consumption.

The call for increased taxation is not merely a revenue-generating measure, but a public health intervention aimed at discouraging consumption of products linked to liver disease. The report highlights the significant economic and social costs associated with liver-related illnesses, arguing that these costs justify the implementation of preventative measures.

While the report does not detail specific tax rates or levels, it stresses that the increases must be substantial enough to impact consumer behavior and generate sufficient funds to alleviate the financial strain on public services. The commission’s recommendations represent a comprehensive approach to tackling a growing public health crisis in Europe.

The increasing prevalence of liver disease is a significant concern for public health officials across Europe. The commission’s report underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying causes of this disease, particularly those related to lifestyle factors such as diet and alcohol consumption.

The report’s findings are likely to fuel debate among policymakers regarding the appropriate level of government intervention in regulating the consumption of potentially harmful products. Proponents of increased taxation argue that it is a necessary step to protect public health, while opponents may raise concerns about potential economic consequences and individual liberties.