WASHINGTON (AP) — A government panel of nutrition experts is suggesting taxes on sodas and snacks along with incentives for healthy eating to encourage Americans to eat better.
Some members of Congress are already pushing back, saying the panel has overstepped its bounds.
The recommendations, released Thursday by the advisory committee, will help determine what gets into the new version of dietary guidelines being prepared by the Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments.
The advice includes eating more fruits and vegetables and whole grains and limiting sugars and fat. It also goes beyond previous versions by suggesting a broad list of possible policy changes that could make it easier for people to follow that diet advice.
The panel suggests taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, snack foods, desserts and other sugary and salty foods.
