Latest news - Comments

The recent announcement on the taxing of alcopops shows that the government has the ability to dissuade consumers from "unhealthy" products - but what if they put some of their sway towards the promotion of healthy products? The Australian Medical association is calling on Kevin Rudd to, in conjunction with junk food taxes, place subsidies on fruit and vegetables. With the obesity epidemic affecting 1 in 5 Australians (and the main cause of this often being pinned to the cost of fresh produce) it's proposed that a subsidy be provided to growers and retailers, or directly to families to ensure that healthier food be readily obtainable and within everyone's budget. According to the board, a rise in consumption of fruit and vegetables by just one serve a day (just one delicious fuji apple!!) could the health system $157 million a year in reduced heart disease alone - pretty incredible huh? There's no word yet on whether the plan is being slated but it's a great idea none-the-less.