Fat in Denmark? You may want to think twice about drowning your sorrow in a pint of Chubby Hubby as it's going to get a bit more expensive.
Though less than 10% of Denmark's population is obese, the Danish government ain't takin' the chance that they're becoming like Americans - so they're instituting a "fat tax":
Starting Oct. 1, Danes will see a price increase in products that are high in saturated fats, which researchers at Denmark's Institute of Food and Resource Economics have attributed to the cause of 4% of the country's premature deaths.
Butter, oils, and high-fat dairy products will see the biggest price increases; products with more than 2.3% saturated fat will be taxed 16 kroner per kilogram ($2.90 USD) of saturated fat. Shoppers should be ready to pay up to 30% more for a pack of butter, 8% more for a bag of chips, and a liter of olive oil will cost 7.1% more than usual.
Previously on Neatorama: Hungary's "Fat Tax"
There is absolutely nothing wrong with saturated fats.
I've been eating a primal/paleo diet for almost a year now and feel great. I've lost weight with no effort and have a lot more energy than I used to and I eat a good amount of nice yummy healthy saturated fat.
In other news: Already rapaciously-expensive Denmark getting more expensive every day.
but they dont do this___WHY?__bc they DONT worry about your health___they need YOUR money___bc they need new BIG HOUSE,SUPER CARS,Yachts...i.t.c
btw....everyone need 20% fat everyday!
ppl from Denmark WAKE UP!___you need stop this lie.
You can criticize this measure, but anecdotal evidence is worthless.
Saturated fat: Association with diseases.
"SATURATED FATS These are the biggest dietary cause of high LDL levels ("bad cholesterol"). When looking at a food label, pay very close attention to the percentage of saturated fat and avoid or limit any foods that are high. Saturated fat should be limited to 10% of calories. Saturated fats are found in animal products such as butter, cheese, whole milk, ice cream, cream, and fatty meats. They are also found in some vegetable oils -- coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. (Note: Most other vegetable oils contain unsaturated fat and are healthy.)"
Most articles I have been reading so far share the view that saturated fats are not so healthy. Are they all wrong? It's possible, but I'm skeptical.
Whether or not this tax will make the citizens of Denmark eat healthier is another question. The tax on cigarettes didn't make everybody stop smoking, but without those taxes A LOT more people would have. Cigarettes would be dirt cheap without taxes. "One of the reasons that public health officials support cigarette tax increases is because many studies show that this leads to a decrease in smoking rates." (Cigarette taxes in the United States.) Another way this might work is that food manufacturers will switch to food with less saturated fats if they notice a decline in profits.
Personally I think this is a step in the right direction, but it should be accompanied with measures that promote healthy eating.
Just another tax scam masquerading as public health.
Sweets make you tolerate being fat.
Sweets make you.
Actually, saturated fats are not a health hazard. (Google - Enjoy saturated fats, they're good for you)
It is the U.S. government that has kept the saturated fat controversy from being resolved. (Google - What has the government done to our health?)
And it is the edible oils industry that influences the government to do what it does. (Google - Origins of the anti-saturated fat campaign)
And for those who are saying "it's just a way for the government to make money!", you are just showing your ignorance (of the Scandinavian cultures).
Wait, how many fatties are in office now?
Really. That MANY?
Oh, never mind then.