Denmark Introduces Fat Tax to Trim Obesity, Heart Disease

COPENHAGENDenmark on Oct. 1 became the first country to introduce a fat tax on foods containing more than 2.3% saturated fat, such as butter, milk, cheese, pizza, oils and meats. The legislation was approved by parliament in March 2011 as a way to combat the escalating rates of obesity and heart disease in the Danish country.

As reported by All Headline News, this is not the first time Denmark has taxed foods in an effort to increase overall health and average life expectancy of its citizens. In 2004, Denmark made it illegal for any food to have more than 2% trans fats; in July 2010, it  increased taxes on ice cream, chocolate and candy by 25%. Taxes also have been raised on soft drinks, tobacco and alcohol products beyond the minimum levels established by the European Union.