Switzerland has unveiled an ambitious new nutrition strategy set to run from 2025 to 2032, with a sSwitzerland has unveiled an ambitious new nutrition strategy set to run from 2025 to 2032, with a strong focus on plant-based eating, sustainability, and halving food waste. The plan comes as the country grapples with rising diet-related diseases and mounting pressure on its food systems.
The new roadmap, developed by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), aims to tackle everything from obesity and chronic illness to climate impact and food inequality. It replaces the previous strategy, which ended in 2024, and brings a sharper focus on preventing diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease through better nutrition and more physical activity.
A Wake-Up Call for Swiss Diets
Currently, the average Swiss diet contains too much meat, animal fat, sugar and salt – and not nearly enough fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. The consequences are stark: nearly a quarter of the population lives with a non-communicable disease, and obesity rates are climbing – now affecting 15% of children and 43% of adults.
Switzerland also generates a staggering 2.8 million tonnes of avoidable food waste every year, equivalent to 330kg per person. Food systems account for a quarter of national emissions, with food waste alone responsible for a quarter of that footprint.
The government’s target? Cut food waste in half by 2030 and significantly reduce emissions from agriculture and food production.
Six Goals for a Healthier, Greener Future
The 2025–2032 strategy lays out six key objectives:
- Promote a balanced, nutritious diet across all age groups.
- Improve public understanding of nutrition and sustainability.
- Prioritise plant-based diets.
- Engage the entire food industry in transforming eating habits.
- Create food environments that support healthy, sustainable choices.
- Tackle food waste head-on.
Officials say it’s no longer just about preventing disease — it’s about safeguarding the planet. The strategy builds on Switzerland’s climate plans and national framework to prevent non-communicable diseases.
Changing the Food Environment
The government is also pushing for changes to food composition and marketing. That means less salt and sugar in processed products, better food labelling, and fewer adverts targeting children with unhealthy foods.
Schools and workplace canteens will be encouraged to adopt sustainable, health-driven catering standards. There’s also a push to connect the dots between nutrition, wellbeing, and sustainability through public education and awareness campaigns.
As one health expert put it, “It’s time to align our food environment with the needs of both people and planet.”
Action Plan Coming by End of 2025
While the strategy sets a strong direction, eyes are now on how it will be delivered. The FSVO has confirmed that a detailed action plan will be published by the end of 2025, covering the initial 2025–2028 phase.
It will include measurable goals in four key areas:
- Education & Information: Helping people understand how food choices affect health and the environment.
- Policy & Reformulation: Encouraging food producers to cut salt and sugar, improve transparency, and reduce marketing of unhealthy products to kids.
- Partnerships & Coordination: Strengthening collaboration between government, cities, businesses, and international bodies like the WHO and EFSA.
- Research & Monitoring: Gathering better data on eating habits and investing in science to find effective ways to drive change.
The government says it will continue to make nutrition and food data publicly accessible, and fund research to test practical solutions.
“The Real Test Is Action”
Reaction to the strategy has been largely positive, with sustainability advocates praising Switzerland for placing plant-based diets at the heart of public health policy. But there’s also a clear call for action.
Policy is finally catching up – now it’s time to deliver impact, not just headlines. They urged the government to lead by example, especially in schools and hospitals, and ensure fair market conditions for all protein sources – not just those with the loudest lobby.
The message is clear: the tools are on the table. What matters now is how boldly Switzerland puts them to work.
Reference
https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home/das-blv/strategien/schweizer-ernaehrungsstrategie.html
