The Organization of Consumers and Users, commonly known as the OCU, asked the government this Wednesday to temporarily drop value added tax on goods to zero percent. The proposal focuses on foods that promote healthier nutrition, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, rice, pasta, meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and bread. The call reflects a broader concern that affordable access to nutritious items should be safeguarded, especially during times of price volatility. The request aims to cushion households from rising costs while preserving the essential nutrients families rely on for balanced meals.
It was noted that a 0.5 percent rise in food prices in November helped push this item into a new CPI milestone. The annual rate reached 15.3 percent, the second-highest on record since the series began in January 1994, surpassed only by the slight higher figure observed in October. The observation underscores how quickly everyday groceries can shift and how sensitive household budgets are to even small percentage changes in price levels. This context frames the urgency behind the OCU’s recommendation and the potential impact on consumer behavior and purchasing power.
A projected effect on the domestic economy is described as a hard blow, reflecting the persistent squeeze felt by families already strained by energy costs. The Consumers and Users Organization highlights an estimated additional annual expense of about 830 euros in the typical shopping cart, illustrating the cascading pressure of inflation on a family budget. The figure helps translate abstract price movements into real-life decisions about meals and essential goods, emphasizing the need for supportive policy measures to maintain nutrition standards while guarding financial resilience.
Prices that are hard to predict
The OCU points to several essential products where price movements are especially unpredictable. Milk has risen roughly 30 percent year over year, oils and fats are up about 30 percent, eggs around 26 percent, bread about 15 percent, poultry 14 percent, pork 13 percent, fresh fruit 12 percent, and fresh vegetables roughly 10 percent. These fluctuations illustrate a landscape of volatility that complicates family budgeting and planning for regular meals. The organization argues that such volatility calls for predictable policy actions to protect vulnerable households and maintain steady access to nutritious options.
In addition to the call for VAT reductions, the OCU advocates for a reduction to four percent on a broader set of staple foods with a proven healthy nutritional profile. This includes sugar-free dairy products, whole-grain cereals without added sugars or fats, and seed oils in moderation. The emphasis is on aligning tax policy with public health goals, ensuring that nutritious choices remain affordable while sustaining the food supply chain’s integrity for consumers across regions.
The Organization of Consumers and Users also urges governments to urgently activate a robust food control system aimed at supporting vulnerable families, particularly those with underage dependents, at least while inflation remains elevated. The aim is to implement protective measures that prevent nutrition gaps and safeguard child health, ensuring that families can consistently access essential foods without compromising other basic needs. This approach seeks to balance economic stability with social welfare, delivering practical support where it is most needed.