An online petition to stop a VAT increase on health food supplements has reached 60 thousand signatories.

According to Health Stores Ireland, which represents shops nationwide, the 23 percent VAT on supplements will affect the cost of vitamins, minerals and fish oils.

Rob Winnet, a health shop owner from Dungarvan in Co. Waterford, says Revenue Commissioners have decided to class these items as luxury goods after decades:

“They’ve been regarded as food for the last 40 odd years, suddenly Revenue have decided they’re food no longer and they’re a luxury good.

“On the 1st of March they’re going to go from zero percent VAT to 23 percent VAT which is the same as sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks. It’s actually more than a burger and fries’ takeaway.”