EPHA calls on the Danish government to maintain its leadership in public health in Europe

EPHA reacted in an open letter to an article published last July 1 in the Belingske Tiderne, a Danish Newspaper. The story reported on discussions and negotiations on the Danish tax reform, and in particular, about a possible withdrawal of the Danish tax on saturated fat.


The statement, addressed to Möger Thor Pedersen, Minister of taxation and Astrid Krag Kristensen, Minister of health and prevention, emphasises the importance of maintaining the tax and thus the country leadership in public health in Europe.

As the open letter reads, “the main argument used by food operators to oppose the implementation of taxes is well known as it was already used when discussing taxes on tobacco products as well as on alcoholic beverages. However, while the evidence on the effectiveness of fiscal measures is clear, its impact on the job market, as claimed by economic operators, has proven not to be true. Thus, we urge you to look closely at these recent claims as we have concerns regarding their accuracy.”

EPHA is a strong supporter of fiscal measures applied to food policy as part of the solution to the burden of non communicable diseases.

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EPHA related articles

- EPHA briefing on food taxation and other fiscal measures

- EPHA news release: ’Fat taxes’: answer to obesity and austerity?

- ***Update October 2012*** Food taxation in Europe: Evolution of the legislation

- EPHA Open Letter on the French ’sweet drinks tax’

- EPHA Open Letter to welcome the Hungarian tax on unhealthy products

Last modified on July 5 2012.