Ministry of Health introduces fast food tax to raise additional financing

The Romanian Ministry of Health is planning to introduce taxes on fast food products in order to increase financing for health programs, according to a recent statement by the health minister, Attila Cseke. The tax on fast food products is under public debate on the Ministry of Health website. The new tax, similar to the tax on vices, will represent a percentage of fast food product sales and is likely to impact the profits of fast food operators in Romania and consequently, lead to increases in the price of fast food products. The ministry is planing to meet fast food companies which will be affected by the decision.

Attila Cseke said 2010 will be a hard year for the Romanian health system, as there will be difficulties in sustaining investments in infrastructure and in medical equipment. With a budget similar to last year, around EUR 1 billion, Cseke Attila says he is not satisfied with the crisis budget.

Corina Saceanu