German Food Codex Commission: Reduced minimum sugar levels for soft drinks in Germany
Now, soft drinks can be referred to as 'lemonades' with less than 7% sugar, according to a recent update from the German Food Code Commission (DLMBK). The old rule that stipulated a minimum of 7% sugar content for lemonades has been overturned, making way for more lenient guidelines for beverages.
This is the end of a long-standing debate that dragged on for over five years. The new rule simply states that lemonades must contain "ingredients to achieve a sweet taste," which can include various types of sugars or sweeteners. The exact amount isn't specified.
This disagreement started when the Hamburg-based beverage company Lemonaid introduced a bio lemonade with just 6% sugar in 2019. Food control authorities deemed it not sweet enough, and the drink couldn't be sold as-is, according to the Hamburg District Office's enforcement order. Lemonaid pushed back, and the commotion continued.
The Hamburg Health Authority sided with the company, arguing: "Food with low sugar content shouldn't be penalized, but rather considered the norm." Despite the ongoing conflict, Lemonaid's lemonade was still on the market. In a recent interview with "Stern," Lemonaid's managing director Paul Bethke expressed his happiness about the new rule, but also admitted, "It does seem strange that it took five years."
It's important to note that the Food Code is not a law, but it's generally followed by industry players. The specified amounts in the Code are meant to safeguard consumers and prevent food manufacturers from misleading them.
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- The update from the German Food Codex Commission (DLMBK) could potentially impact the production of 'German' lemonades, as soft drinks with less than 7% sugar can now be labeled as such.
- Consumer protection advocates in 'Germany' may view the Commission's decision as a positive step, as it allows for the production of 'consumer-friendly' lemonades with lower sugar content.
- The Food Book Commission's new rule, allowing for less rigid guidelines on minimum sugar content in 'lemonades', could inspire other countries to reconsider their own food regulations related to 'sweetened beverages'.
Source: www.ntv.de
