As of October 1, 2011,Denmark started charging a surcharge (a tax) on food items containing greater than 2.3% saturated fat.
Saturated fat is seen as major contributor to obesity - and hence pizza, milk, butter, cheese - food items with high fat content, will attract this surcharge.
Obesity leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and cancer, treatment of which can be financially burdensome on countries' health systems.
Today, France has followed in Denmark's footsteps and too will be taxing foods with greater than 2.3% saturated fat.
So what do you think about Denmark and France's move?
Is this something you'd welcome in your country?
Please let me know by commenting beneath this post.
(I would like to thank roberthuffstutter for the use of his Flickr inset photo, entitled, "ENJOY THEM NOW BEFORE SUGAR TAXES MAKE THEM LUXURY ITEMS FOR THE MASSES").
Gillian
Sources Include
1) BBC World News, October 1,2011
2) Article,"Fat Tax Spreading: France Follows in Denmark’s Footsteps", The Inquisitr, October 6,2011
