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The Food Standards Agency is reportedly considering proposals to put a tax on junk foods, to encourage or force people to make healthier food choices. This new 'fat tax', as it is being called, would work in the same way as the tax currently on tobacco and alcohol and could be up to 17.5 per cent.

Foods likely to be targeted include:

• Processed food
• High fat food (i.e. cheese, butter)
• Food containing high levels of saturated fats

Understandably, the idea has led to much controversy and debate, with many consumer groups and those in manufacturing food jobs forcefully opposing it. No VAT is currently paid on food products, and many think it should stay that way. The Food and Drink Federation has said:

"It may be a perfectly sensible issue to debate but such a regressive policy would do nothing more than create lighter wallets for consumers."

Research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies has supported this, demonstrating how a 'fat tax' may negatively affect poorer families, even if it does make them healthier.

However, the Food Standards Agency believes that heart disease and clogged arteries are caused by the UK's excessive consumption of high-fat junk food. They think that by introducing the new 'fat tax' they can turn people away from junk food and save around 3,000 lives a year.

Do you think a 'fat tax' is a good idea or a bad one? Feel free to leave your comments.