Germany: nutrition policy snapshot

This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in Germany. Compare Germany with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index

Germany implements policy actions at national government level in seven out of ten policy areas of the NOURISHING framework. One policy area received a good assessment which was in increasing public awareness of healthy eating through communication campaigns (I2). Three policy areas received a moderate assessment in nutrition label standards and regulations (N1), setting healthy food standards in public institutions (O) and limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1).

Within the policy areas that received moderate assessment, weaknesses and gaps were identified throughout, such as a lack of food and drink availability in the school vicinity, which impacts otherwise well-designed standards for food in schools (O).

No action was taken in three policy areas which included good marketing and advertising to young people particularly in/around schools (R), creating a healthy retail and food service environment (S) and nutrition advice and counselling in healthcare settings (N2). Greater attention is needed to improve financial incentives which increases the availability and affordability of healthy food (U) and public food procurement policies (H) beyond a poor assessment.

Download a full analysis and breakdown of Germany’s results

This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for Germany. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares Germany with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.

The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the NOURISHING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from Germany, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.

Overview of nutrition policy status in Germany

Read more about the NOURISHING policy index
Download the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf)
Download all 30 country snapshots as a bundle (zip)

Summary of policies reviewed

The policies assessed to produce this country snapshot are listed here. For more details, consult our NOURISHING policy database.

Policy name	Area	Benchmark name
EU Health claims – Germany	N	Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
EU Nutrient content claims – Germany	N	Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
EU Nutrient content list – Germany	N	Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
Nutri-score front-of-pack labelling	N	Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
Voluntary food labelling	N	Nutrition label standards and regulations on the use of claims and implied claims on food
EU Fruit and Vegetable scheme – Germany	O	Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Standards for catering in companies	O	Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Standards for catering in day-care centres	O	Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Standards for catering in schools	O	Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) guidelines on quality standards for school meals	O	Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) guidelines on quality standards for school meals	O	Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
The IN–FORM Initiative	O	Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings
Free School Meals – Germany	U	Use economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives
Voluntary food reformulation	I1	Improve nutritional quality of the whole food supply
Standards for meals in retirement homes	H	Harness food supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health
Food-based dietary guidelines – Germany	I(2)	Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness
Public awareness campaign – Germany	I(2)	Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness
Snack5 Campaign	I(2)	Inform people about food and nutrition through public awareness
Nutrition education in schools — Germany	G	Give nutrition education and skills
The IN-FORM Initiative – Germany	G	Give nutrition education and skills
The IN-FORM Initiative	G	Give nutrition education and skills

MOVING country snapshots

We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Germany page or see all the country snapshots.

Get in touch

The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.

Send us feedback: policy@wcrf.org

Germany: nutrition policy snapshot

Overview of nutrition policy status in Germany

Summary of policies reviewed

MOVING country snapshots

Get in touch

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