Sugary Drink Reduction Falls Short: Swiss Report Raises Concerns for Children’s Health
Zurich, Switzerland – September 28, 2025 – A new report from the Swiss Federal Office for Food Safety (OSAV) is raising serious questions about the effectiveness of voluntary sugar reduction targets set for the beverage industry. While overall sugar content in refreshing drinks decreased by 13% between 2021 and 2024, the gains are unevenly distributed, with drinks popular among children and teenagers lagging far behind, sparking fears of continued health risks and a surge in childhood obesity.
Voluntary Pledges Under Scrutiny
In 2015, following discussions at a food exhibition in Milan, fifteen Swiss beverage manufacturers, spearheaded by Federal Councilor Alain Berset, signed the “Milan Declaration,” committing to a 10% reduction in sugar levels by 2024. The initial report suggests the target was technically met, but a closer look reveals a troubling trend. The OSAV report, released in August 2025, utilized a median calculation across product ranges, a methodology critics argue masks significant disparities.
Hidden Sugar: The Problem with Averages
The OSAV’s median approach allows companies to offset high-sugar products with newly launched, lower-sugar alternatives. This means that while a brand’s overall sugar content may be down, individual drinks – particularly those favored by younger consumers – remain stubbornly sweet. Specifically, “cold tea” and energy drinks, staples for teens, saw reductions of only 6.9% and 5.5% respectively. Even more concerning, drinks specifically marketed to children contain up to 11 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters – nearly double the amount found in standard beverages.
Industry Resistance and the Fear of Imports
Documents obtained by the Swiss radio program “Talking” reveal that the OSV initially sought a 20% reduction across the board by 2024. However, industry representatives deemed this “unrealistic,” expressing concerns that drastic cuts would drive consumers to cheaper, imported products with even higher sugar content. This resistance ultimately led to the compromise of a 10% reduction.
Global Obesity Crisis and Expert Warnings
The timing of this report coincides with a stark warning from UNICEF, which recently documented a global surge in obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19. Nathalie Farpour-Lambert, a pediatrician specializing in childhood obesity at the HUG (Geneva University Hospitals) and a consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed outrage at the limited impact of the Milan Declaration. “Children are victims of a multi-billion dollar trade in sugary drinks,” she stated, pointing to the industry’s annual turnover of 8 billion. “In Switzerland, one in five children is overweight, and 5% are obese – and these numbers aren’t slowing down.”
Farpour-Lambert criticized the OSAV’s median calculation, arguing it “masks the lack of change, which is revolting compared to the population we are trying to protect.” She emphasized the importance of upholding children’s rights to healthy nutrition, as outlined by UNICEF.
What’s Next for Sugar Regulation in Switzerland?
The OSV acknowledges that voluntary reductions have limitations and is already exploring potential successors to the Milan Declaration. This suggests a growing recognition that a more robust regulatory framework may be necessary to effectively address the public health concerns surrounding sugary drink consumption. The debate highlights a broader challenge: balancing industry interests with the urgent need to protect the health of future generations.
This situation isn’t unique to Switzerland. Globally, governments are grappling with how to curb sugar intake and combat rising obesity rates. Understanding food labeling, advocating for stricter regulations, and making informed choices about beverage consumption are crucial steps individuals can take to safeguard their health and the health of their families. For more in-depth coverage of health and wellness news, stay tuned to archyde.com.