FLASH NEWS
Germany moves to restrict energy drinks for minors
2026-03-25 20:19:38 / BOTA
Germany, through a new legal initiative, aims to impose a tax on sugary drinks, as well as restrict the use of energy drinks for people under the age of 16. The measure comes as part of growing efforts to combat childhood obesity, an issue that is finding broad cross-party support in the country.
The proposal is expected to be voted on this Friday in the Bundesrat, the federal body representing the 16 German states, marking the first step towards a possible legal regulation.
The draft does not yet determine the specific level of the sugar tax, but foresees that the revenues generated will be channeled into programs and initiatives to improve public health.
The Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein and one of the initiators of the proposal, Daniel Günther, stressed that the food industry should be encouraged to review the formulas of its products.
Another key element of the proposal is the imposition of restrictions on energy drinks, due to their high caffeine, taurine and sugar content.
According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 100 countries around the world have already applied taxes on sugary drinks, including about half of European Union member states, such as Belgium, France and Portugal.
Although the CDU, of which Günther is a member, had rejected a similar proposal in February, recent developments indicate a change in stance, with several MPs now supporting the initiative, along with the Greens and Social Democrats.
Polls also show significant public support, with around 60% of German citizens in favor of this step.
Meanwhile, a study published in 2024 by researchers at the Technical University of Munich estimates that a tax similar to that in the United Kingdom would reduce daily sugar consumption by 2-3 grams per person.
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