More on Denmark’s Fat Tax
Oct 18th, 2011 by WendyS
According to Linda’s article, Denmark decided to put a tax on products with more than 2.3% saturated fat. This decision was meant to alert customers on buying fatty products and motivates customers to make healthier choices.
Nowadays, fatty food is very common at home or restaurants. However, milk, which is also one product that would get taxed on, also contains nutrients that people need to consume. Therefore, it is not necessarily that food with fat will be unhealthy. The Danish government should not come to a conclusion so fast and use this method to promote healthy eating.
Moreover, I agree to Linda’s opinion of “the tax is insignificant to people who want to buy the food”. Just as people who still smoke knowing that smoking is bad for your health, when you really crave for these fatty foods, no one can stop you. Therefore, the Danish government should focus more on educating children on making healthy choices rather than imposing the Fat Tax. After all, children are the future.
Further references:
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/10/denmarks-fat-tax-now-thats-rich/246158/
Hey Wendy,
I am in full agreement with you on the food tax. It has not stopped anyone buying junk food or fatty food, it has just raised the cost of shopping in a country that is already overtaxed. (most taxed country in the world!).
I do exactly what you mention in your blog – educate children about their choices. Once they know that there are alternatives and that they have the power to make a choice, many will take the healthier choice.
The bottom line is that education is the key, not punishment in the form of taxes. Same goes with smoking and drinking – educate first. The penalty of early death, lung cancer, prison, heavy fines (for drunk driving) has at least helped a little bit with the smoking and drinking culture in Denmark, but that is another soap box for another time!
Trylle Charlie
Denmark
Hi Trylle,
Thank you very much for your comment! It is nice to know that someone is in agreement with me. I really appreciate your opinion as well.
Wendy Shao