Denmark has become the first country in the world to introduce a “fat tax” on foods high in saturated fats, in an effort to improve the health of Danish citizens.

Consumers hoarded butter, oil, meat and milk before the tax went into effect Saturday. Stores have experienced empty shelves as residents tried to avoid paying the tax by filling their pantries shelves and freezers.

The “fat tax” – approved by parliament in March – applies to food with more than a 2.3 percent saturated fat content. The additional money raised by the tax”will help fund obesity-fighting efforts.

Other countries are watching how the new Danish tax is received before possibly considering their own version of a “fat tax”.