On June 20, 2017, the Lithuanian Free Market Institute organizes an international conference titled “Paternalist Policies and Food Regulation: Objectives and Consequences”, aimed at initiating a series of public debates on the growing trends of state paternalism. The key objective is to analyse regulatory food policies in Europe and Lithuania, to evaluate policy approaches and their impact, and to discuss effective alternatives for solving problems related to public information and health.

The government of Lithuania has delineated objectives to limit the use of certain food ingredients (such as sugar and salt) by introducing state-sanctioned limits on how ingredients can be used in food. Taxation is also mentioned among possible policy solutions. 

Taxation of food and non-alcohol drinks as a solution in fighting obesity and other illnesses is not a new idea. Economists have analysed evidence from different countries about the impact of such taxes. In January 2013, Denmark revoked a 2011 tax on saturated fat. A year later, Denmark abandoned its 80-year tax on fizzy alcoholic drinks. At the same time, Estonia and the United Kingdom are now planning to introduce a tax on non-alcoholic sugary drinks.

Which direction should Lithuania take? What would be the consequences of taxes and new regulations? What are the alternatives?

You may register by filling an online registration form no later than June 16, 2017.

For more information contact the Lithuanian Free Market Institute at llri@llri.lt or by phone +370 5 250 0280.

Download full program: Program_Paternalist Policies and Food Regulation