A minimum age for buying fast food: is that a good idea?
The CDA’s independent think tank, the Scientific Institute (WI), recently published a report that caused quite a stir. ‘Paternalism!’ opponents of the proposal said in response to the study, and ‘personal responsibility’ was also mentioned. So what idea had the WI put forward?
A minimum age for buying fries, berehappen, Big Macs, Whoppers and the like. The temptation and availability are so great that, according to the report, it is difficult for children to make healthy choices. The precise age from which someone would be allowed to fish a croquette out of the fryer was not established, but a healthcare expert who contributed to the report said on NOS Radio 1 Journaal that eighteen was an option.
Equated with alcohol and cigarettes
According to Gerard Adelaar, the healthcare expert mentioned above, fast food should be viewed in the same way as alcohol and tobacco. Both are very harmful to health, and people should be prevented from starting at a young age. And if that comes across as paternalistic, he does not mind; the WI says that we might just as well argue that the amount of and advertising for things that are bad for you are also paternalistic.
Just as much in the spirit of “you must do this!”, and it is all around you. ‘The availability has become so dominant that it is also paternalistic,’ according to the WI. A minimum age would, in the WI’s view, only become relevant if fast-food chains failed to make their offerings healthier.
The bigger picture
Adelaar also points out that the plan would be part of a broader package of proposals to raise a healthy generation, rather than stand on its own. The overarching idea is that people should learn to make responsible choices from a young age, and that you ‘should start a healthy lifestyle as early as possible.’ We can assume that the prospect of rising healthcare costs, which will spiral out of control in the future, is also a factor here.
No support
The CDA parliamentary group itself, however, does not see this plan becoming reality. CDA MP Anne Kuik said on social media that the WI is an independent think tank that has written an important report with good proposals (including giving municipalities more scope to keep fast-food chains out), but that, according to the parliamentary group, a minimum age for fast food goes too far.
Read also:
- Shocking: twice as much unhealthy food is available for purchase in poor Dutch neighbourhoods
- ‘City Deal’ signed for a healthier food environment
- Snack bar owner has had it with annoying elderly people
