An alliance of consumer groups and sports nutrition manufacturers and distributors have written to the chancellor of exchequer, George Osborne, calling for an end to plans to introduce VAT on sports nutrition products.

In his budget, the chancellor announced that some sports nutrition products will be subject to 20 percent VAT from 1 October.

Members of the newly formed UK Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (UKSSNA) claim the tax would penalise consumers and deal a body blow to the UK sports nutrition industry.

In a letter to the chancellor, the UKSSNA described the decision as "bizarre" and warned that the introduction of VAT could push consumers to the grey and unregulated market.

Chris Whitehouse, campaign director for UKSSNA, said: "Introducing VAT on these sports nutrition products will hit thousands of consumers in the pocket and undermine the growth of an entire industry but will generate little additional revenue for the Treasury.

"It is the definition of a plan that is more trouble than it's worth, and should be subject to thorough consultation and review rather than the sop of six weeks that has been set by the Government.

"We strongly believe that it is unreasonable to tax consumers for products designed to ensure good health and nutrition when unhealthy products remain exempt from VAT. This sends absolutely the wrong message in the year of the Olympics, when the Government should be encouraging good nutrition and participation in sport and exercise."

UKSSNA has also secured a meeting tomorrow (25 April 2012) with the department of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) which will be dealing with the tax changes planned in the Budget.

Details: http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/vatonsportsdrinks