Possibility of Implementing a Sugar Tax in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the debate on reducing sugar consumption, particularly in sweetened drinks, is a hot topic. While the country has made strides in food safety and labeling, it has yet to implement a sugar tax on these beverages, unlike some European countries.
According to recent reports, each inhabitant of Switzerland consumes around 100g of sugar daily, double the amount recommended by the World Health Organisation. Much of this sugar intake comes from sweetened drinks, which account for 38% of the country's sugar intake.
In May, the Swiss government announced a goal to see a 10% reduction in sugar content in products included in the Milan agreement by 2028. This agreement is a non-binding commitment by Swiss companies to reduce sugar in their products, but it is not legally binding.
Some readers have advocated for clearer labeling to help consumers make more informed choices about their sugar intake. Others have suggested the introduction of a sugar tax as a potential solution to reduce sugar consumption. DaveSave, for instance, proposed that while a sugar tax may not achieve much in the short term, it could send a message about the need for less sugar in the diet.
However, not everyone is in favour of such measures. Swiss People's Party MP Diana Gutjahr is against regulating sugar, stating that consumers are responsible and should not be controlled by the government. Some readers of 20 Minuten disagreed with Gutjahr, believing that consumers may not have the discipline to forgo sugar-free drinks and that a sugar content cap could be beneficial.
In a bid to address this issue, Green Party MP Manuela Weichelt submitted a motion to the Federal Council calling for a cap on sugar levels in sweetened drinks. If passed, manufacturers would have five years to comply with the sugar limit. An action plan regarding the reduction of sugar content in these products is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
It's worth noting that not all companies adhering to the Milan Declaration's commitments are complying. A survey by broadcaster RTS showed this discrepancy.
As of mid-2025, Switzerland does not currently have a sugar tax specifically regulating the sugar content in sweetened drinks, and there is no indication in the available information that such a tax is imminent or under active governmental consideration. Switzerland's food regulations have recently focused on genetically modified foods and food enzymes, aligning with EU standards, rather than imposing taxes or limits on sugar content in beverages.
The potential impact of reducing sugar consumption, particularly among young people and children, could be significant. Introducing a sugar limit for flavored and caffeinated beverages could help prevent chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which collectively cost Switzerland upwards of CHF 50 billion annually.
In conclusion, while Switzerland's approach emphasizes consumer guidance over fiscal measures for sugar reduction in drinks, the debate continues. The proposed motion to the Federal Council could mark a significant step towards a healthier Swiss diet.
- The debate in Switzerland over reducing sugar consumption, particularly in sweetened drinks, is a primary focus, as the country's population consumes around twice the recommended daily amount by the World Health Organisation.
- The Swiss government's goal is to see a 10% reduction in sugar content in products by 2028, as part of a non-binding commitment by Swiss companies known as the Milan agreement.
- Some propose clearer labeling and even a sugar tax as potential solutions to reduce sugar consumption and its associated health risks like chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Politicians, like Green Party MP Manuela Weichelt, have submitted motions to the Federal Council for a cap on sugar levels in sweetened drinks, while others, such as Swiss People's Party MP Diana Gutjahr, emphasize the responsibility of consumers and oppose governmental regulation.
- Reducing sugar consumption, especially among young people and children, could lead to considerable health benefits and savings, as chronic diseases related to sugar intake collectively cost Switzerland over CHF 50 billion annually.
