Govt Could Help Poor Families Pay For Healthy Food

A top health official said on Monday that the government could consider subsidies to help poor families pay for healthy food – or slapping taxes on unhealthy products – if other efforts fail to encourage better eating habits among Hong Kong residents.

Dr Regina Ching from the Health Department said such moves could be explored as a way to cut levels of chronic illnesses in the city, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

The government announced a series of targets last week aimed at improving public health, such as reducing people's average intake of salt, and cutting the smoking rate by 30 percent before 2025.

Officials also want to see a 10 percent drop in the amount of harmful alcohol consumption and binge-drinking, and a reduction by the same proportion of people who don't do enough exercise.

Ching told RTHK's Janice Wong that depending on the progress made in reaching these targets, officials may consider more drastic measures, such as a sugar tax.

"We know that overseas there are already some successful experiences, so we look forward to learning more from them, and to see how ready Hong Kong [is]. Sometimes, it's not only how receptive the people are, we also need to study our local taxation system, how can our local systems accommodate these new measures," Ching said.