Germany Approves Tax on Sugary Drinks to Ease Health Care Costs

Germany Approves New Tax on Sugary Drinks to Fund Health Insurance CostsThe German cabinet approved a draft bill introducing sugary beverage taxes recently.

Officials warn excessive sugar intake increases obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cavities.

Sugary drinks cost health system roughly two point one billion euros annually. Revenue will flow into the health fund, keeping statutory insurance premiums stable.

Drinks above eight grams sugar pay thirty two cents per liter tax. Pure juices and sugar free drinks stay exempt, pending European Commission approval.