Raise tax on alcohol and junk food to cut deaths from liver disease, experts say
Experts from the European Association for the Study of the Liver and The Lancet are urging European governments to raise taxes on alcohol and unhealthy foods to address the growing burden of liver disease, which causes 284,000 deaths annually in Europe. They recommend aligning tax levels with the societal and healthcare costs of these products, implementing health warnings, and restricting marketing to minors. The report draws parallels with anti-smoking efforts and emphasizes the need for urgent action on behavioral and commercial determinants of health.
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There are 284,000 deaths a year from liver disease in Europe. Photograph: magicmine/Getty Images/iStockphotoView image in fullscreenThere are 284,000 deaths a year from liver disease in Europe. Photograph: magicmine/Getty Images/iStockphotoHealthRaise tax on alcohol and junk food to cut deaths from liver disease, experts sayReport calls for tough action to combat ‘escalating and unsustainable burden’ of liver-related problems in EuropeDenis Campbell Health policy editorWed 29 Apr 2026 18.31 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGovernments in Europe should impose much higher taxes on alcohol and unhealthy food to tackle the continent’s 284,000 deaths a year from liver disease, experts say.Taxes on those products should rise sharply enough for the money raised to cover the huge costs they…
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