Taxes on junk foods have been widely proposed to limit the intake of such in-nutritious foods to youngsters and adults. But up until now, the American government has not responded to such proposals.

But recent reports said that Taiwan may be the first country to put taxes or an extra levy on unhealthy foods like junk foods. The Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan is said to be drafting a bill that will impose taxes on foods with high quantities of sugar and fat, as well as on alcoholic drinks.

Taiwan is experiencing the same weight problems as with the rest of the world. It has a reported 25- to 30-percent obese children. If the drafted bill becomes a law, it will take effect in 2011. Taxes that will be collected from the junk foods will be used to promote health awareness, and to support Taiwan’s national health insurance program.

It’s hard to think that imposing taxes on junk foods will actually curb the impulse of junk food bingers. But if they think that will be effective, and they are sure the taxes will be put to the proper places, then bring it on. I’m sure a lot of countries will follow suit once Taiwan went ahead with their plan.