More than 40 organisations from medicine, science, consumer protection and civil society support the initiative of the CDU Schleswig-Holstein for a manufacturer levy on high-sugar drinks. In an open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the federal government and the delegates of the CDU federal party conference, they call for the introduction of a so-called soda levy.

The reason: sugar-sweetened beverages are considered a central risk factor for obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. A levy could significantly reduce sugar consumption via beverages, prevent hundreds of thousands of illnesses and save 16 billion euros in costs for society as a whole. The signatories appeal to politicians to act decisively.

The Schleswig-Holstein state association of the CDU plans to introduce a corresponding motion at the federal party conference on February 20 and 21 in Stuttgart and to prepare a Bundesrat initiative. The alliance emphasizes that a sugar levy is not only necessary in terms of health policy and economics, but also corresponds to the will of the majority of the population. Voluntary commitments by the industry had missed their target.

The signatories include the German Medical Association, the German Society for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the German Dental Association, the German Hospital Association and the German Children’s Fund. The German Alliance for Non-Communicable Diseases (DANK) and the consumer organisation foodwatch initiated the appeal.

Federal Food Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) rejects a soda levy.

The German Alliance for Non-Communicable Diseases (DANK) is a scientific alliance of 24 medical-scientific societies, associations and research institutions that has been committed to proportional prevention measures to prevent diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases for 15 years. More about DANK: www.dank-allianz.de

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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