Pepsi is reacting to the
repeated attempts by several local governments to tax sodas. Governments look
for possibilities to reduce the consumption of unhealthy drinks that are seen
as contributors to diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. Now, Pepsi announces
that it will focus on producing pops with less calories by adding more advanced
sweeteners.
As a major producer of
sodas, not only under the name of Pepsi but also for other brand names (e.g. Gatorade,
Mountain Dew, Aquafina, Tropicana), the company has a considerable influence on
the choices people have when buying soft drinks in the supermarket. It is criticized
that their high price marketing campaigns are primarily targeted to kids and
vulnerable populations and, therefore, a factor for childhood obesity unhealthy
lifestyle. I agree that a company of that size, having such a powerful position
has to be regulated, when making profit is more important than people’s health.
When the government taxes soft drinks it wants to reduce negative externalities
that would be a burden to every single one in the society in the form of considerable
higher public healthcare expenditures. For sure this won’t solve the whole
problem but it would send a signal and be one step into the right direction.
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