The health minister, however, says she doesn't like the idea.

A parliamentary report released Tuesday has 70 proposals for fighting obesity. One would hike taxes from 5.5 per cent to 19.6 percent on chocolate bars, chips and other 'snack foods.'

Taxes would be reduced from 5.5 per cent to 2 per cent on fruits and vegetables.

Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot says on Canal Plus television that obesity-fighting efforts 'should not go in that direction' and that such a tax would hit poor households at a time of economic downturn.

The report, which is not binding, also suggests banning transfats. -- AP