Possibility of a Sugar Tax Implementation in Switzerland
In Switzerland, a growing concern over the nation's sugar consumption has sparked debate about potential regulatory measures. While some countries, particularly outside Europe, have already implemented sugar reduction policies in sweetened beverages, Switzerland has yet to adopt such measures.
The Milan Declaration, a non-binding agreement where Swiss companies voluntarily commit to reducing sugar in their food and drink products, was initiated in Switzerland. However, a survey by broadcaster RTS at the end of 2024 revealed that not all companies adhering to the Milan Declaration were complying with their commitments.
A study published in the journal "Nature Medicine" links excessive sugar consumption to 10.5% of diabetes cases in Switzerland. Fennek, a prominent advocate for sugar control, argues that most people lack the discipline to forgo sugar-free drinks and believes that voluntary action by manufacturers is insufficient. Fennek further suggests that a sugar tax could send a message about healthy diets.
The World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of no more than 50g of sugar, but each inhabitant in Switzerland takes in around 100g of sugar a day. This high consumption level is a significant contributor to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer, which affect more than 2.2 million people in Switzerland and account for 80% of direct healthcare costs, costing the country upwards of CHF 50 billion each year.
Some argue that consumers should be free to choose their own diet, while others, like Green Party MP Manuela Weichelt, have submitted a motion to the Federal Council calling for a cap on sugar levels in sweetened drinks. The parliamentary motion proposes a maximum content of 5g of added sugar per 100ml for sweetened drinks.
DaveSave, another advocate for sugar control, suggests that while a sugar tax may not achieve much in the short term, clearer labelling could help people make more informed choices. Sweetened drinks account for 38% of the country's sugar intake. An action plan to achieve this goal is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with manufacturers given five years to comply with the proposed sugar cap.
In contrast, the European Union tends to focus more on labeling and marketing regulations rather than strict sugar caps in beverages. Several European pediatric associations have called for a tax on sugar and advertising restrictions to combat childhood obesity. Pediatrician Nathalie Farpour-Lambert stated that sugar consumption among the Swiss population exceeds 100 grams per day, contributing to numerous chronic diseases, particularly obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
As of mid-2025, there is no publicly available indication that Switzerland has implemented or proposed a formal sugar cap specifically on sweetened drinks. The latest regulatory updates from Switzerland in 2025 do not mention measures limiting sugar content or introducing caps in sweetened beverages, focusing instead on other food and beverage regulations such as labeling of vegetable-based products and wine-related beverages.
While the future of sugar regulation in Switzerland remains uncertain, the growing health concerns and advocacy efforts are likely to keep the issue at the forefront of public and political discourse.
- The Milan Declaration, initiated in Switzerland, encourages companies to voluntarily reduce sugar in their food and drink products, but a survey revealed that not all companies are complying with their commitments.
- A study published in "Nature Medicine" links excessive sugar consumption to a significant portion of diabetes cases in Switzerland, contributing to the prevalence of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
- Fennek, an advocate for sugar control, believes that voluntary action by manufacturers is insufficient and suggests a sugar tax to send a message about healthy diets.
- The World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of no more than 50g of sugar, yet each inhabitant in Switzerland takes in around 100g of sugar daily, which contributes to health-and-wellness issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular-health problems.
- Some argue for consumer freedom of choice, while others, like Green Party MP Manuela Weichelt, have proposed a maximum content of 5g of added sugar per 100ml for sweetened drinks, aiming to reduce the nation's sugar consumption and promote a healthier lifestyle through fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and food-and-drink choices.
