Lobbying Group Formed to Fight Food Taxes

Fearful the government will use taxes to pay for health and obesity programs, several food industry trade groups have formed Americans Against Food Taxes, which they describe as "a coalition of concerned individuals, working families, and small and large businesses to combat the devastating effect of new taxes on beverages and food."

Which is like saying the National Rifle Association is a group of angry hunters.

It's true Congress is already looking at a new tax on juice drinks and soda. While the group admits it hopes to prevent the enactment of taxes it calls "regressive and discriminatory" (presumably against their members), it also insists resources will be applied to promoting "healthy lifestyles by informing Americans of scientifically backed solutions that address economic realities."

Huh?

Not surprisingly, members include the American Beverage Association, the National Supermarket Association, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Can Manufacturers Institute, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, the Corn Refiners Association, the Food Marketing Institute, the International Dairy Foods Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores, the National Grocers Association, the National Restaurant Association, the Snack Food Association and the National Taxpayers Union.

Susan Neely, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association, says that using taxes to discourage consumers from eating or drinking certain foods and beverages isn’t the answer to improving public health, but that "education, exercise and balanced diets" are. Nelson A. Eusebio, executive director of the National Supermarket Association, went for the Big Lie by claiming “our businesses are already struggling to survive in this recession,” despite the generally favorable profit reports from the grocery category. Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), struck a populist note, saying “food taxes are bad public policy because they disproportionately impact America’s working families.”

The group’s website facilitates sending emails to members of Congress, and so far it claims over 60K messages have been sent. Finally the group claims the beverage and food industry is working to end childhood obesity and encourage healthy lifestyles through product innovation, nutrition education and the promotion of physical activity.

Don't hold your breath for a breakthrough. Industry lobbying groups, no matter what the industry, are like high-priced defense attorneys: they're only looking out for their clients' interests.

This blog includes excerpts from a weekly round-up of food industry & food licensing news provided free to Broad Street Licensing Group's clients, and as a paid subscription service (6 months $695; 1 year $1,125).

Too busy to keep up with the news wires & publications about the food business? If you or your company would like to subscribe to our news service, call Danielle Foley at Broad Street Licensing Group (tel. 973-655-0598) and ask for your free sample or click on our website.