Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) recently revealed new data showing that levels of fats, sugars, and salt in some processed food and drinks sold in the country are still too high.
According to researchers at the Max Rubner Insitute (MRI), there has been little change in the sugar content of sweetened dairy products since the first interim survey conducted in 2019. Sweetened quark products specifically have shown “no statistically significant change” over the past four years. Moreover, sugar levels in sweetened dairy products marketed to children remain high, averaging 11.5g per 100g in 2022.
A sample of soft drinks sold in Germany between 2018 and 2022 showed a 5% reduction in sugar content, but there has been no significant change since 2019. Similarly, no major decrease in sugar has been observed in fruit drinks with added sugar between 2018 and 2022.
In the pastry category, fats and saturated fatty acids have increased by 4.3% and 4.8% respectively between 2016 and 2021. Although sugar content has been reduced by 7% during this period, only seven out of 32 pastries analyzed showed cuts in sugar levels.
As a response to these findings, the German government has tasked the MRI with developing new reduction targets for manufacturers of relevant products by the end of 2024. This initiative is part of the National Reduction and Innovation Strategy for Sugar, Fats, and Salt in Finished Products launched in 2018.
To promote a healthier, more balanced diet among German consumers, the government has called on food companies to make voluntary commitments to reducing fat, sugar, and salt levels. Eleven trade groups, including VDG, BVWS, wafg, VdF, and DTI, have already made commitments.
Cem Özdemir, the German Minister of Food and Agriculture, emphasized the importance of further reformulations to address the insufficient progress seen so far. Soft drinks, meat alternatives, pastries, and cold sauces will be re-evaluated by the MRI later this year. Breakfast cereals, bread and pastries, meat products, soups, stews, and ready meals are scheduled for analysis in the second half of 2025, with another report expected in 2026.
Moreover, Germany is also taking steps to promote healthy food consumption by proposing restrictions on junk food advertising, especially targeting children. The government aims to limit ads for products high in fats, sugars, and salt shown to children under 14 years old. This initiative includes restrictions on outdoor, social media, and television marketing campaigns between 6am and 11pm.
In conclusion, the efforts to cut down on unhealthy ingredients in processed food and drinks in Germany reflect a broader trend towards promoting healthier consumption habits and prioritizing consumer well-being in the food and beverage industry.
