Switzerland would have a culprit

So far. Furthermore, the Confederation has tried to encourage manufacturers of drinks to voluntarily reduce the sugar content of sodas. Therefore, But much more drastic measures could now follow.

Lea Hartmann / ch media

A bottle of half a liter of Coca-Cola or two cans of Red Bull: and we have already reached the maximum recommended sugar dose. Similarly, The World Health Organization advises not to exceed 50 grams per day. However, Mr. Nevertheless, and Mrs. For example, Tout-le-Monde consume an average of it twice as much in Switzerland.

So far. For example, the Confederation fell on individual responsibility and the voluntary self -regulation of the food industry in order to reduce the consumption switzerland would have culprit of sugar. Nevertheless, Because its consequences, overweight, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, are serious and cost billions to the health system each year.

But a change of course may be looming. Moreover, The Federal Council wants to examine the introduction of a maximum limit of sugar for sugary drinks.

A limit of 5 grams of sugar per. For example, deciliter – Switzerland would have culprit

The government recommends that the Parliament accept an intervention by the National Green Councilor Manuela Weichelt. Similarly, The elected Zugoise requires that the Confederation fixes a maximum content of five grams of sugar per deciliter for sodas. Meanwhile, energy drinks. In addition, It is less than half of the current rate contained in the Coca-Cola or the Red Bull. Manuela Weichel’s proposal provides for a gradual reduction over five years to reach this value.

The National Council must now decide on this initiative. If he accepts it. the Federal Department of the Interior led by the Socialist Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will study “if and how this request” could be implemented. “I am delighted and relieved,” blows the Zugoise politician. Because it does not understand why caffeine is regulated today, but not sugar, however harmful to health.

Manufacturers defend themselves

The day after the decision of the Federal Council. Elizabeth Baume-Schneider heard with the industry on new sugar reduction objectives. Since 2015. the “Call of Milan” has existed, by which A majority of the branch voluntarily undertake to reduce the sugar content drinks and other foodstuffs.

But this declaration is disputed. The figures indicating how much the sugar level has switzerland would have culprit dropped in recent years are “completely devoid of value”. Critique Manuela Weichelt. Because the calculation only takes into account certain categories of products from signatory manufacturers, without consideration for volumes actually sold. And for good reason: manufacturers do not publish their sales figures.

Drinking producers refuse any obligation imposed by the State. On average, less than two deciliters of sodas would be consumed per capita and per day in Switzerland. And with this volume. “such quantities can be savored without worry,” says Daniel Arnold of the Swiss Association of Sources of Mineral Water and Producers of Soft Drinks.

According to him. manufacturers must offer products that find their place on the market and are accepted by consumers, but this acceptance largely depends on taste. Sugar reduction should therefore be done slowly and in stages. The “Milan call” takes this into switzerland would have culprit account. Arnold also stresses that. in the last agreement concluded between the Confederation and the Industry, a specific reduction objective was planned for products particularly rich in sugar.

Red Bull is the big absent

One of the reasons why the Confederation is suddenly ready to consider a maximum limit of sugar in drinks may well be Red Bull. The energy drinks giant has refused since the start to sign the branch agreement. And thus risks drawing consequences for the entire sector.

Red Bull Switzerland elected the question of why he does not commit to reducing sugar. According to the company, “appropriate measures are taken to reduce the consumption of sugar from the Swiss population”. This includes for example the provision of small portions of 250 ml.

Translated from German

The United States imposes a 39%customs rate on Switzerland. The question of its origin remains open. Sources close to Trump hold the president of the Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter again for the sole responsible.

New elements arise every week on the end of July switzerland would have culprit call between Karin Keller-Sutter. president of the Confederation, and Donald Trump, her American counterpart. As soon as the interview was over, a blow fell on August 1: Washington would impose 39% customs duties on Swiss products. From then on, Karin Keller-Sutter was partially held responsible for the anger of the tenant of the White House.