Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Mexican government is pushing an increase in the special tax on sugary drinks as part of an effort to curb consumption and fight obesity.
According to Mexican health authorities, the country records an average annual consumption of 44 gallons of sugary beverages per person -- one of the highest rates in the world -- and 38.9% of adults are classified as obese.
The government proposal, recently approved by the Chamber of Deputies, raises the rate of the Special Tax on Production and Services to about 21 cents per liter for sugar-sweetened soft drinks. It also sets, for the first time, a separate rate of 8 cents per liter for "light" or sugar-free drinks.
"The goal is to protect the health of all Mexicans," President Claudia Sheinbaum said when announcing the measure. She added that the additional revenue will go to public health programs aimed at combating diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
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