Fast food consumption has been damaging the health of numerous people in some countries. This gives rise to the argument that governments ought to increase the tax rates on this food type. Although I acknowledge that this strategy might impede the demand for fast food, I still disagree with imposing a tax due to concerns about effectiveness and equality.
First, taxing fast food is ineffective, especially in the long term, because of the insufficient health awareness. Without realizing the harm brought by fast food, people may be reluctant to change their dietary habits. In this case, despite the price surge, as long as their craving for fast food isn’t eliminated, the individuals might still be addicted to those quick meals.
Second, taxes could widen the inequalities by depriving food options for the poor. Since convenience food is more affordable in general, it constitutes a major food resource for the destitute. According to research, in India, the people in poverty-stricken areas heavily rely on fast food to sustain their livelihoods, owing to financial constraints. Therefore, if fast food becomes more expensive, it would further exacerbate their situation.
In conclusion, while it is true to say that the tax could create a barrier to access to fast food, this should not be prioritized before the authority conducts relevant implementation to reinforce the health consciousness and deal with poverty, which are the root causes of excessive fast food consumption, to enhance the effectiveness and ensure equality when the tax is imposed afterward.