When revising the excise duty on alcohol and tobacco, the minister may usually state that this is done to discourage their consumption – on the premise that they are bad for health – and that such tax is used to finance the health system.

Very well; but are alcoholic drinks and tobacco the only hazards to our health? Should they be the only ones taxed in this regard?

I find this very short-sighted. It may be true that unrestrained consumption of alcohol and tobacco ends up causing health issues and eventually adding to the strain on health resources, but so does a bad diet. And the increased rate of obesity – not to mention other complications – bears proof of this.

It is however a fact that those who consume alcohol and tobacco are, normally, responsible, mature adults.

The same cannot be said of the young consumers of branded fast food (which can quite often be termed as junk food) who are bombarded with adverts and toy gifts and all the currently legal tricks to entice their custom. And quite often, the poor parents have to give in to the “quick bite” in order to keep their kids happy. So, while we are living the ridiculous total ban on any tobacco branding, young and innocent children are being manipulated by all the media tools towards a potentially dangerous eating habit.

This until, one hopes, someone takes legal action for a heart disease, allegedly caused by some fast food chain or other.

So why don’t the health authorities start off an effective educational campaign while also pressuring the powers-that-be so that all means of duping customers – especially the young and susceptible – cease at once?