press release

The evidence is clear: Sugary beverages are harmful; SA’s Health Promotion Levy is helpful

The health promotion levy, commonly known as the sugary drinks tax, was introduced in April 2018, at a watered-down 11% instead of the proposed 20% recommended by the World Health Organisation. We are campaigning to have the tax increased to 20%, to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages even further and fight obesity and its associated non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and stroke.

Media Release: Doubling the sugary beverage levy could raise billions for Covid-19 fight

If South Africa doubled its sugary beverage levy, it could raise billions to help fund the fight against Covid-19. In 2018, South Africa introduced a health promotion levy of about 11% on sugary beverages to help curb the country’s sugar consumption, which is fuelling a rise in non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and …

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Fact Sheet: Evidence to support increasing South Africa’s Health Promotion Levy (HPL) to 20% in 2021

South Africa implemented its Health Promotion Levy, or HPL, in April of 2018. The HPL is a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax of approximately 11%, based on sugar content. Initial research on the price impact of the HPL has shown prices increased commensurate with the tax for taxed beverages but did not change for non-taxable beverages …

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Embargoed For Release

Big Food Used Global Pandemic to Aggressively Promote Unhealthy, Ultra-Processed Food & Sugary Drinks   A new report finds that the food and beverage industry giants directly and indirectly blocked. Healthy food policies while putting vulnerable consumers at even greater risk. WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report released by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator [GHAI] …

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Calls for Finance Minister to increase health promotion levy (HPL) and include fruit juices

The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) and Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP) call for an increase in the so-called sugar sweetened beverage tax and inclusion of fruit juices to reduce diet-related disease and death, and raise much-needed revenue amidst COVID-19 health demands and budget deficits. Johannesburg, 4 November: Advocacy groups for healthy food in South Africa …

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New study exposes political practices of food and beverage industry in South Africa

First evidence of food and beverage industry tactics to counter public health policies in South Africa indicates partnerships with government and calls for greater transparency to stop undue influence Johannesburg –29 July In the first study of its kind, researchers have uncovered the variety of strategies used by the food and beverage industry in South …

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