A proposal to introduce a tax on fast food in Chile has fired up debate and protests around the country.
The aim of the tax would be to tackle Chile's growing levels of obesity but fast food restaurateurs say it will be punishing consumers for fulfilling a 'biological necessity.'
The Chilean government is intent on confronting the trend that has seen a third of Chile's population of 17m people become obese.
'Public awareness campaigns are useful, but they're not enough to change behaviour. In contrast, raising taxes is an effective measure, so it has to be looked at,' Health Minister Jaime Manalich said recently.
Guido Girardi and Enrique Accorsi, members of the opposition who proposed a similar tax in 2008, have applauded the move, which is still being debated.
They believe a surcharge should be levied on food containing too much saturated fat, salt or sodium, mainly affecting sweets and products sold in junk food chains.
Chile has experienced a shift towards a US-type lifestyle of quick consumption as it grows richer, with a corresponding expansion of girths over the past decade.
'The level of obesity is rising dangerously. The trend is the same as in the United States,' said nutritionist, Vivian Munoz.
According to Ms Munoz, 55% of Chileans are overweight, and 33% meet the standard for obesity.
Chile now has a bigger proportion of obese children (18%) than the US (16%).
However fast food restaurant owners do not believe making customers pay more will deter them from buying junk food.
'I don't think hiking taxes will stop consumption, because the consumer will always end up paying, whatever the price,' said Fernando de la Fuente, head of Chile's Gastromic Association.
Alberto Prieto, the owner of three 'McRico' franchises, which are modelled on McDonald's, added: 'It's unheard of to tax this type of food. We're not talking about a vice, like tobacco or alcohol, it's a biological necessity.'
For Chilean consumers, the proposed tax takes little account of the lack of time many say they have to sit down and eat a balanced meal.
'In 30 minutes, it's almost impossible to have a complete lunch, so you need to get something filling and fast,' said Miguel Rojas, a customer in a McRico outlet in Santiago.
But Vivian Munoz gave little credence to that explanation, 'Bad habits start at home. Mothers have a lot to answer for there.
'The biggest problem is the lack of education. People are prepared to pay more for junk food, because it gives them pleasure. It's like tobacco,' she said.
Similar tax proposals have been floated in various US states and districts, and most recently in Romania.
The tax may prove difficult to bring into law, according to analyst Marcelo Brunet, who said that in practice, 'it will be tough to define what is junk food from a legal point of view.'
Mr Brunet explained that 'for some, it's food that has a high level of fat, salt or sugar. But that also includes alimentation that isn't really junk food.'
