France is considering plans to impose a "fat tax"by more than trebling the VAT on junk food to tackle soaring obesity levels.
Ministers are being urged by health experts to raise VAT from 5.5 to 19.6 per cent on all foods considered to be "too rich, too sweet, too salty and which are not strictly necessary".
The cost of pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches, crisps, children's sweets and creamy coffees could soar as a result.
Although it is Europe's second slimmest nation after Italy, more than one in three people in France are overweight or obese and expanding waist lines have triggered a surge in heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
A panel of scientists also wants cigarette-style health warnings on packaging for fattening foods, and a ban on junk food advertising during children's television programmes.
Suggested wordings for warnings include: "For your health, eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day and undertake regular physical activity."
The recommendations will go before the French parliament this month, and could become law by next year.
