"With the introduction of the meat tax, the death toll in the world is reduced by 220,000 people"

Meat sold by a distribution center. [로이터=연합뉴스]

According to a study, the tax burden on red meat, ham and sausages made from meat, pork and pork could reduce the number of deaths each year by 220,000.

Researchers at Oxford University on Thursday badyzed the impact of "meat taxes" on deaths and health care costs in 149 meat-consuming countries around the world.

Researchers estimate that in high-income countries, the meat tax is levied at 20% on meat and 110% on processed foods, and lower tax rates are applied to low-income countries.

The researchers estimate that two meals a week will reduce meat consumption in high-income countries.

Overall, the number of casualties per year could be reduced by 220,000 and medical costs by 30.6 billion pounds (about 45,000 billion won).

Red meat has been identified as one of the causes of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in 2015 that processed foods such as bacon, sausages and ham can cause cancer.

In addition, given the various resource consumptions and carbon emissions generated during the manufacturing process, the reduction of red meat and processed foods can also help cope with climate change.

However, the BBC explained that there are limits in terms of efficiency. The BBC said it was unlikely that meat consumers would be able to reduce their meat consumption by introducing a meat tax, and that it also fears of harming low incomes by raising the price of meat. quality of life.

Park Kwangsoo reporter [email protected]