Danish government faces pressure from health organizations over unhealthy food placements in supermarkets

The Danish government is facing calls from health organizations and doctors to address the enticing placement of unhealthy foods in supermarkets. Amid ongoing work on a health reform, experts highlight that many Danes have poor dietary habits, with only a few following official dietary recommendations. They consume four to five times the suggested amount of sugary treats.

England implemented a ban on placing unhealthy foods (HFSS – high in fat, sugar, and salt) in prominent positions in stores and online as of October 1, 2022. Key locations, such as store entrances, end caps, and checkout areas, are restricted for stores over 185.8 square meters. Non-compliance may result in improvement notices and fines.

Calls for a similar approach in Denmark are growing stronger. Organizations like the Danish Cancer Society argue that politicians must take stronger actions as Danes show little improvement in health. Leaders contend that grocery shopping should not be a challenge where consumers must navigate through unhealthy products to obtain essentials like milk and potatoes.

The Danish Medical Association supports a fundamental shift in how society operates to make healthy choices easier and unhealthy choices more difficult. Recent studies show that nearly one in five Danes has an unhealthy diet.

Danish supermarkets have started to promote healthier products, with Lidl successfully removing taxes on fruits and vegetables. However, experts argue this is not enough, emphasizing that many supermarkets still profit from unhealthy items in a competitive market.

While industry representatives express concerns about regulating product placements, citing the importance of retailer autonomy, they acknowledge that encouraging healthier lifestyles is ongoing. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry recognizes that addressing obesity and improving public health remains a key governmental priority.