Criteria

This category is made up of five categories with a total score of 100.

Food taxes. This includes any taxes (in excess of normal sales tax) placed on food products or ingredients. Up to 25 points are awarded according to the number of products taxed and the size of the tax.

Soft drink taxes. Up to 15 points are given for taxes on sugary drinks. The country with the highest rate of tax scores 10. The other countries’ scores are based on their tax rate as a percentage of the highest taxing country. An additional 3 points are given if there is a specific tax on energy drinks. Two more points are given if the country also taxes zero-sugar/artificially sweetened drinks.

Advertising restrictions. Up to 25 points are awarded according to the scope and severity of advertising restrictions.

Energy drinks. Some countries regulate caffeinated cold drinks (‘energy drinks’) more severely than traditional, caffeinated hot drinks. Restrictions on advertising these drinks are included in ‘advertising restrictions’ above but a further five points are awarded for a total ban on the sale of energy drinks to people aged under 18 years.

Vending machines. Up to 10 points are awarded for bans on food vending machines and/or bans on certain food/drink products being sold from vending machines. Scores depend on the scope of the ban (eg. schools, hospitals) and the number products affected.

Mandatory Limits. Up to 20 points are awarded for legally enforced limits on ingredients in food. Note: some countries have ‘voluntary agreements’ with industry with regards to levels of salt, fat and sugar. As these are not statutory, we do not include them as part of the Index, despite the fact that these ‘voluntary’ agreements are frequently backed up with the threat of legislation.