Mexico To Charge Extra Tax On Chocolate
November 22, 2013
If the ancient Aztecs were around, they would not have approved. In the land where it all started, Mexican lawmakers have declared chocolate to be "junk," subject to an extra tax.
This specific charge is included in an array of fiscal changes passed by Mexico's Congress that are looking to expand tax revenues. It’s also an attempt to alter the country's unhealthy eating habits.
Included in the amendments added to the tax bill was a levy on "junk food". Products that contain higher than 275 calories per 100 grams belong in this group. Myriads of chocolate have about twice that amount. Originally proposed as a 5% levy, Congress approved an 8% charge on the foods. Other food items categorized as junk food include gelatin, sweets and some puddings.
If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you're probably aware that the word "chocolate" can be traced back to the Aztec word "xocolatl." It’s what they used to call the foamy bitter drink brewed out of cacao (or cocoa) beans. It was so special that it was a drink reserved for the noble.
Historians even claim that people during those times used cocoa beans as a currency in many parts of pre-modern Latin America. The Maya and Aztecs believed the bean is packed with magical properties.
So what used to be set aside as special is now worthy of taxation as junk? That kind of makes me cringe. With all the ongoing research, chocolate (well, at least some chocolate) could very well be promoted as a health food or even a superfood!
LOL. What’s your take on this?
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