New Soft Drink Tax Takes Effect in France

Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
January 13, 2012

The Constitutional Council of France recently approved a tax on sweetened
soft drinks to combat the healthcare-related costs of obesity. Effective
January 1, 2012, the tax adds 1 euro cent per can and is expected to generate
€120 million ($156 million) in state revenue to fund lower Social Security
contributions by farm workers.

“Obesity is rising as swiftly in France as it is in other EU countries and action
must be taken before it gets any more serious,” a French health ministry
spokesperson was quoted as saying. See France 24, December 28, 2011; Daily
Mail, December 29, 2011.

Categories: Europe, Issue 422, Legislation, Regulations and Standards
Tags: obesity, SSB, tax

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Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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