KIEL/BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - In the ongoing fight against obesity, especially among children, calls for a nationwide sugar tax are repeatedly raised. Most recently, Schleswig-Holstein announced a corresponding initiative in the Bundesrat. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has rejected the proposal. "We do not need a sugar tax. Tax increases are also not included in the coalition agreement," the CSU politician told the "Rheinische Post".
"For sugar, fat, and salt in processed foods, we have agreed on a voluntary reduction strategy with the food industry, which is effective," the minister emphasized. According to Rainer, many factors play a role in the issue of overweight children. "Too little physical activity, too much use of electronic media can also be contributing factors, for example." Together with the Health and Family Ministries, his office therefore plans to launch a campaign.
Support from Former Health Minister Lauterbach
Christoph Minhoff, Chief Executive of the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries and the German Food Association, also rejects such a tax. "It is remarkable that Mr. Günther considers it the right time, just before Christmas, to spoil people's appetite for sweets with a new tax," Minhoff told the "Rheinische Post."
Former Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, on the other hand, welcomed the initiative. "The introduction of a sugar tax would prevent numerous cases of diabetes, kidney disease, and heart attacks. Health insurance contributions would also be eased," said the SPD politician to the "Tagesspiegel".
Schleswig-Holstein's Minister President Daniel Günther (CDU) has advocated for the introduction of a nationwide sugar tax. "In the first quarter of next year, we will launch a Bundesrat initiative," the CDU politician told the "Welt". "A sugar tax is long overdue both politically and economically, because excessive sugar consumption causes significant health problems and thus enormous societal costs."
What Does the WHO Recommend?
In mid-October, Schleswig-Holstein's state parliament had already voted in favor of a manufacturer levy on particularly sugary soft and energy drinks. With votes from almost all factions, the parliament called on the state government to push for a national sugar tax or sugar levy on soft and energy drinks at the federal level. Günther also announced plans to bring up the issue at the CDU federal party conference in February.
According to an analysis presented last year by the consumer organization Foodwatch, 136 beverages examined—including sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices—contained an average of 7.8 percent sugar. That is more than six sugar cubes per 250-milliliter glass. In the study, 117 out of 136 beverages exceeded the threshold of 5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, above which the so-called "soda tax" is levied in Great Britain.
For a healthy diet, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people with a normal body weight consume no more than 50 grams of so-called free sugars per day, ideally even less than 25 grams (six teaspoons)./mni/DP/nas
