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Lidl branch in Düsseldorf: "An important step, but one that is long overdue"
Photo: Michael Gstettenbauer / IMAGO
In the future, the discounter Lidl wants to pay more attention to children's health in its advertising and in the packaging of its own brand products.
From now on, the company will no longer advertise unhealthy foods aimed at children - such as sugary yoghurts or drinks, but also chocolate - the company announced.
There should be exceptions for promotional items for Christmas, Easter or Halloween - for example for chocolate Santa Clauses or Easter bunnies.
"Lidl is the first German food retailer to implement a corresponding recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO)," emphasized the discounter.
In addition, by the end of 2025, Lidl only wants to sell food that meets the WHO criteria for healthy food in packaging that is attractive to children.
Consumer organization Foodwatch welcomed the announcement and urged competitors to follow Lidl's lead.
"In view of rampant malnutrition among young people, with sometimes fatal consequences, this is an important step, but one that is long overdue," said Luise Molling from Foodwatch.
She pointed out that around 15 percent of children and young people in Germany are currently overweight and six percent are even severely overweight (adiposity).
This can lead to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, joint problems, high blood pressure and heart disease later in life.
dab/dpa
