Landtag for levy on high-sugar soft drinks - Schleswig-Holstein Politicians Push for Sugar Tax to Curb Youth Consumption
Politicians in Schleswig-Holstein are pushing for a sugar tax to combat excessive sugar consumption among children and young people. Health Minister Kerstin von der Decken (CDU) and members from all factions support the idea, with some advocating for a broader tax on sugar-rich foods.
An analysis by Foodwatch revealed that many drinks in Germany exceed the sugar threshold set by the UK's soda tax. The UK introduced the 'Soft Drinks Industry Levy' in 2018, taxing beverages with over 5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters. This move led to a reduction in sugar content in some British soft drinks, as noted by Cornelia Schmachtenberg (CDU).
More than 50 countries worldwide have now implemented a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, according to ex-Health Minister Heiner Garg (FDP). Jasper Balke, a Green health politician, suggests Germany follow the UK's example. The SPD wants to expand the tax to include other particularly sugar-rich foods, but a previous attempt to impose such a levy did not gain a majority.
The Landtag of Schleswig-Holstein has called for a manufacturer tax on high-sugar soft and energy drinks. It also urged the state government to advocate for a national sugar tax or a federal-level tax on these drinks.
With broad political support, the discussion on a sugar tax in Germany is gaining momentum. While the focus is currently on high-sugar drinks, some parties are pushing for an expanded tax on particularly sugar-rich foods. The next steps will depend on the state government's advocacy and potential federal-level initiatives.
