Romania becomes first country to introduce junk-food tax

A new tax on junk food products will be introduced as of March 2010 in Romania. This was initiated by the Health Ministry. The move appears to set a worldwide precedent.

Health Minister Attila Czeke said that he will introduce the fast-food tax in order to contribute to the country's health programmes. 

The ministry justified its proposal by pointing out that more and more people in Europe suffer from obesity, increasing the risk of diabetes, hypertension and premature death.The proceeds will be considered income for the Health Ministry to spend on health programmes.

A fast-food tax, also referred to as a 'junk food tax' or 'Whopper tax', has been discussed for many years in the US but has never been introduced.