A majority of Germans demand the abolition of the value-added tax on fruits, vegetables and legumes, according to a study commissioned by the Federal Association of German Consumer Organizations (VZBV). The study, published in the Tuesday editions of the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” newspapers, reveals that over nine out of ten respondents (91%) consider it very or somewhat sensible to reduce the value-added tax on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and legumes from seven percent to zero.
Half of the respondents (50%) stated that healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables are often too expensive for them. More than four out of ten (44%) reported that they often have to limit their purchases of healthy foods due to rising prices. Low-income households are particularly affected, according to the study, with nearly two-thirds (68%) of respondents with a net household income under 2,000 euros reporting that they often have to limit their purchases of healthy foods due to rising prices.
“Gesunde Ernährung should not be seen as an exclusive matter of personal responsibility” said Michaela Schröder, Head of Consumer Policy at the VZBV, in an interview with the newspapers. The study highlights that consumers expect the government to actively promote healthy eating through better framework conditions, fair prices and clear information.
Almost nine out of ten respondents (89%) support stricter advertising restrictions for products high in fat, sugar and salt to protect children. The majority (79%) also backs a tax on strongly sugared beverages to motivate manufacturers to reduce the sugar content.
A total of 1,001 people aged 16 and above in Germany were surveyed online by the Institute for Market and Opinion Research (IFH Köln) for the study.