COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (AHN) -- Denmark has introduced what is said to be the world's first "fat food tax," applying a surcharge to food with more than 2.3 percent saturated fat. The move is an effort to combat obesity and heart disease.

Before the tax went into effect on Saturday, Danes empties grocery store shelves, hoarding high fat foods. The new tax will be levied on foods like butter, milk, cheese, pizza, oils and meats.

The Scandinavian country does not have a highly overweight population, perhaps because of the country's policies. In 2004, Denmark made it illegal for any food to have more than 2 percent trans fats. In July 2010, the country increased taxes on ice cream, chocolate and sweets by 25 percent. In addition, it also increased taxes on soft drinks, tobacco and alcohol products beyond the minimum levels established by the European Union.

Only about 10 percent of Danes are considered obese, compared to about one-third of adults and approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents in the United States, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Bookmarking & Link Destinations

Get the Shot. Get the Game. Check out this exciting roller coaster experience, with all-new rides.

More Weird News From 2011-10-03 The day's stories from around the world. California prosecutor opposes parole of ex-model who killed, ate her husband Denmark imposes 'fat tax' on foods high in saturated fat Blushing means you are more trustworthy: Study Google workers create beer from ingredients suggested from around the world « Current Weird News Stories

Watch one of our weird and wacky online videos. Weird Video Games - Fast Food (Atari 2600) VR Video Game - SIMONgame FACE - Part 3 ... new videos »   ... top watched »   ... editor's picks »