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Norway may introduce new taxes. All for the health of its citizens
Scientists recommend taxes on sugary drinks and subsidies for healthy products. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa
An international team of scientists has published a series of articles in The Lancet describing the impact of ultra-processed foods on health. Experts point out that the data is clear and requires action at the national level, including in Norway. The latest research highlights the scale of the phenomenon and its consequences for public health.
A Norwegian pilot analysis from 2024 shows that adult residents of the country derive an average of 48 percent of their energy from ultra-processed products. Earlier data from 2019 indicated that 46.5 percent of household food spending went to this category of food.
Researchers emphasize that the results are part of a global trend of increasing consumption of highly processed products. According to scientists, swift action is needed to curb further growth in consumption. Among the authors of the study are 43 specialists, including Norwegian researcher Marit Kolby.
Researchers emphasize that the results are part of a global trend of increasing consumption of highly processed products. According to scientists, swift action is needed to curb further growth in consumption. Among the authors of the study are 43 specialists, including Norwegian researcher Marit Kolby.
Discussion on definitions and the need for clarification
The Norwegian Directorate of Health has a positive view of the new study and points to the need to clarify the definition of ultra-processed food. The currently used Nova classification divides products into four groups, with group 4 including foods with a high degree of processing and artificial additives.
Experts note, however, that this group includes both sweets and store-baked bread. Director Linda Granlund emphasizes that some additives are intended only to extend the product's shelf life. In her opinion, greater precision in assessing the category would improve the quality of health recommendations.
Experts note, however, that this group includes both sweets and store-baked bread. Director Linda Granlund emphasizes that some additives are intended only to extend the product's shelf life. In her opinion, greater precision in assessing the category would improve the quality of health recommendations.
High consumption is associated with the risk of overweight and cardiovascular diseases.Photo: stock.adobe.com/ photo: Tupungato/ for editorial use only
Proposals for regulations and national actions
The publication in The Lancet presents a set of proposals that countries can implement to limit the popularity of ultra-processed foods. Researchers suggest mandatory labeling regarding saturated fat, salt, and sugar content.
They highlight the importance of regulating the marketing of unhealthy products aimed at young audiences, which has already been partially implemented in Norway. Experts also propose taxes on sugary drinks and subsidies for products recommended in a healthy diet. Norwegian health authorities believe these solutions fit into the concept of a so-called healthy tax shift.
They highlight the importance of regulating the marketing of unhealthy products aimed at young audiences, which has already been partially implemented in Norway. Experts also propose taxes on sugary drinks and subsidies for products recommended in a healthy diet. Norwegian health authorities believe these solutions fit into the concept of a so-called healthy tax shift.
Researchers' conclusions on the need for change
Scientists warn that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of overweight, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions. Marit Kolby emphasizes that the discussion about definitions distracts from hard data and necessary actions. In her view, the food industry has the most to lose from potential changes, as these products dominate consumer budgets.
The researcher points to rising health costs and sick leave, which burden the system. According to her, solutions are needed to encourage society to return to unprocessed ingredients.
The researcher points to rising health costs and sick leave, which burden the system. According to her, solutions are needed to encourage society to return to unprocessed ingredients.
Increasing nutritional awareness and changing the market structure may play an important role in future regulations regarding the production and sale of food in Norway.
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