Letter to the editor submitted to USA TODAY on December 3, 2004, on the "Twinkie Tax"

Brian Gallagher
Editorial Page Editor
USA Today
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22107

Dear Mr. Gallagher:

I was disappointed to read Suzanne Leigh's December 1 op-ed supporting a "Twinkie Tax." To enact "quick-fix" legislation such as imposing additional taxes on certain food items is not only a simplistic view of a complex situation, but is unrealistic and will do little to promote healthy lifestyles or combat the obesity issue. Restaurants are pro-actively working to be part of the solution to the obesity issue, and punishing them for serving Americans the foods that they ask for is unfair and egregious.

Government legislation such as the "Twinkie tax" is arbitrary, discriminatory and regressive. Support for this type of government taxation and regulation is contrary to the ideals of American free-market society. Additionally, such taxes are a hindrance to free choice by consumers and disproportionately affect households with lower incomes. National Restaurant Association research reveals that virtually all consumers (95%) prefer to make their own menu choices without input from outside sources, particularly government, when dining out.

It is important to remember that 76 percent of all meals are prepared and eaten at home. Equally noteworthy is that when Americans do dine out, the nation's 878,000 restaurants offer a wide variety of menu items and venues, providing myriad options—including nutritious alternatives and items made-to-order—to fit the diverse dietary needs of a diverse population. Restrictive taxes on food impose fiscal penalties on consumers for choosing some of the foods they prefer, and on restaurateurs for providing them.

Dietary experts agree that all foods can be part of a healthy diet—foods that are available on restaurant menus. The true key to healthful living is through balance, moderation, physical activity, and personal responsibility.

Sincerely,

Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Restaurant Association