Advice, warnings and recommendations seem not to be enough in what in Denmark has become a real fight against the fat and obesity of citizens. For this reason, last Saturday the local authorities decided to introduce a new tax, the Fat Tax (literally the tax on fat) which sets higher market prices for those foods with a high unsaturated fat content. And the cost of the products - apparently - will rise in proportion to the amount of fatty substances contained within them.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous
Advice, warnings and recommendations just seem not to be enough in what in Denmark has become a real one fight against fat and citizens' obesity. For this reason, last Saturday the local authorities decided to introduce a new tax, Fat Tax (literally the tax on fat) which sets higher market prices for those foods high in unsaturated fat. And the cost of the products - apparently - will rise in proportion to the amount of fatty substances contained within them.
And if it is true that obesity has become one of the most widespread diseases in developed countries and Denmark wants to intervene in a preventive way to avoid later incurred health costs, the question arises spontaneously: the fat tax it really is a way to discourage Danes who are increasingly prone to weight gain or is it a brilliant idea to replenish the coffers of the state in times of crisis?
So if France taxes carbonated drinks with the same objective, Denmark declares war on junk food with the same tool, the one that has always apparently also been used for smoking. But will it really have the desired effects?
Probably, the introduction of this tax will lead to one reducing the purchase of high-fat products (given the cost), but if the intent were really to discourage bad habits and educate Danes to a healthier diet, it would not be appropriate (and even coherent) lower the price of light foods (the really dietary ones) and di fruits and vegetables?
Verdiana Amorosi
