Radio 1: Germans Need to Watch Their Weight

Germans need to watch their weight. Minister Özdemir wants people to eat less bratwurst and sweets. Ulrike Nagel reports on how Germans are responding to his call.

Summary of this conversation

Journalist Ulrike Nagel discusses the plans of the German Minister of Food and Agriculture to promote healthier eating—especially among children—on “Bureau Buitenland” on NPO Radio 1.

• The Plan for Healthier Eating [00:15]: The German minister advocates for less salt, sugar, and fat, and more vegetables, fruit, and legumes, especially for children. He emphasizes that being overweight at a young age has lifelong consequences, and sees it as a matter of fairness that healthy food should be affordable for everyone, especially in lower-income families [00:47].
• Focus on School Meals [01:02]: The minister wants to improve the quality of hot meals served in schools. One in six children in Germany is overweight, a rate comparable to that in the Netherlands [01:14]. He also wants to promote organic and regional products.
• Environmental Considerations [01:31]: As a minister from the Green Left party, he is also considering environmental factors and aims to reduce CO2 emissions.
• Skepticism and Obstacles [01:40]: The plans are being met with great skepticism by the media, other political parties, and the food industry. Germans are quick to view this as patronizing. Moreover, price is a major obstacle: organic and healthy food is currently too expensive for many [01:57]. It therefore remains to be seen whether the minister will ultimately be able to carry out his ambitious plan.

On “Bureau Buitenland,” you’ll hear international news, reports, and geopolitical analysis. Featuring background information and remarkable stories, Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Hosts: Sophie Derkzen and Tim de Wit

Germany specialist

Ulrike Nagel