The survey also found that over half of people (53%) favoured a tax on companies that produce ultra-processed foods such as biscuits and ham. It was suggested that some of the revenue could be used to buy fresh fruit and vegetables for poorer families.
According to research obesity is costing the UK an estimated £98Bn a year as it leads to other problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. High fat, sugar and salt products include foods such as chocolate, confectionary, cakes, biscuits, puddings, savoury snacks, fried foods and sugar sweetened drinks.
Adam Briggs, a senior policy fellow and public health expert at the Health Foundation, told The Guardian: “The new Government should be emboldened by this type of polling and understand that this [idea] is something that does enjoy broad support and is likely to lead to important health benefits. The public are basically saying it’s time for tough action.”