Expositor:

Maxime Roche, PhD candidate, Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, Imperial College London.

I assess Costa Rica's 2023 reform of the "basic VAT basket" aiming to "guarantee a balanced diet". The list of items was based on the consumption patterns of the poorest 30% of households and intersectoral government concertation. Findings highlight that demand for ultra-processed foods is price inelastic. The reform lacks nutritional criteria and fails to target ultra-processed savory foods. It is associated with increased purchases of calories, sugar, and saturated fat. Alternative nutrient-based approaches could reduce unhealthy nutrient purchases with greater effects on lower-income households. Link to the published paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102824

Modalidad:  

Virtual vía zoom: https://udecr.zoom.us/j/83971007844, contraseña: 698736.

Transmisión en vivo, FBLive Escuela de Economía.

Detalles: 9 de mayo de 2025 a las 12:00 m.d. Costa Rica