How to combat obesity and raise public revenue - Denmark increases taxes on alcopops and ‘junk food’

Denmark has today taken further steps towards improving the health of its citizens through a series of tax reforms designed to make "junk food" more expensive. It also goes beyond the European established minimum levels of taxation of products such as alcohol and tobacco.


*** Press release - For Immediate Release ***

Brussels, 01 July 2010

Today, Denmark increases by 25% taxes on ice cream, chocolate and sweets, as well as increases taxes on soft drinks, tobacco and alcohol products. A tax on fat will be introduced later in the year.

The European Public Health Alliance applauds the Danish taxation reform as using evidence to improve public outcomes: “Denmark will not only increase general health amongst the population but will also ease the burden on the public health care system and increase its resources at a time of recession when Member States are cutting public expenditure” welcomed Monika Kosinska, Secretary General of the European Public Health Alliance.

According to the World Health Organization, taxation is one of the most effective intervention to fight against alcohol related harm, tobacco consumption and obesity. In Denmark, more than 53% of adult males are considered as overweight. In parallel, type II diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases are also on the increase. Denmark is not alone, and patterns in Europe have led to a situation whereby diet-related diseases now represent the cause of 60% of premature deaths.

“The Danish taxation reform tackles the main causes of preventable deaths. We strongly believe that the Danish tax reform is an example to be followed by the European Union and other Member States, which should be complemented by measures to ensure the availability and affordability of nutritious food for all.” added Ms Kosinska.

****NOTES FOR EDITORS****

EPHA is the European Platform bringing together public health organisations representing professional groups, patients, health promotion and disease specific NGOs and other health associations.

For any questions please contact: pressoffice@epha.org.

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Last modified on November 4 2011.