Germany’s newly formed Citizens’ Council on ‘Nutrition in Transition’ has unveiled a series of nine strategic proposals to Bundestag President, Bärbel Bas. These proposals aim to raise the bar for public health through enhanced nutrition, forming a critical part of the country’s comprehensive dietary health strategy.

Enhancing Nutrition for the Nation

The Citizens’ Council, established in May 2023, was primarily responsible for formulating recommendations that could significantly elevate Germany’s dietary health policies. Among the proposals, the most striking is a nationwide initiative to provide free lunches to pre-schoolers and students. This initiative addresses the dual challenge of ensuring nutritional adequacy and tackling the issue of food affordability for low-income families.

Transparency and Sustainability in Focus

In the face of a global health crisis, the Council advocates for mandatory federal food labeling, which would enable healthier consumer choices. The Council also calls for transparency in animal breeding practices, highlighting the need for consumers to understand the origins of their food. Another noteworthy proposal is the suggestion that large supermarkets donate surplus food to food banks. This measure would not only reduce food waste but also ensure that those in need have access to nutritional food.

Restructuring Taxes for Healthier Choices

The Council’s recommendations also extend to the realm of fiscal policy, with a proposed tax restructure designed to make sustainable food more affordable. This includes the removal of sales tax on organic produce and the introduction of higher taxes on sugar and conventional meat. Moreover, the Council has proposed a ban on energy drink sales to children under the age of 16, comparing their health risks to those of alcohol and cigarettes.

The Bundestag is set to consider these non-binding suggestions in the upcoming parliamentary discussions. The formation and function of the Citizens’ Council represent a democratic initiative as part of the coalition government’s commitment to exploring new forms of civic engagement. The group’s 160 members were randomly selected and engaged in rigorous discussions and remote meetings to develop these pivotal recommendations.