Supermarkets Under Pressure: Healthy Food to Become Legally Mandatory
Londen, zondag, 29 juni 2025.
The Dutch government will compel supermarkets to sell more healthy food products as part of an ambitious strategy against obesity. From July 2025, supermarkets must ensure at least 60% of their product range consists of healthy items, with fines up to €100,000 for non-compliance. The background for this radical measure is the concerning health situation: currently, 50% of adults are overweight and 20% suffer from obesity. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport aims to reduce healthcare costs and encourage citizens to make more conscious food choices. The measure is part of a broader national approach to structurally improve public health.
Legal Requirement for Healthy Food
Supermarkets in the Netherlands will be required from July 2025 to fill at least 60 percent of their product range with healthy products, as part of a national strategy against obesity [1]. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport has announced this drastic measure to address growing health problems [2].
Background of the Obesity Epidemic
Currently, 50 percent of Dutch adults are overweight, with 20 percent suffering from obesity [3]. These alarming statistics are the direct cause of the new legislation, which compels supermarkets to promote healthier food choices [4].
Enforcement and Consequences
Supermarkets failing to meet the new ‘Healthy Food Standard’ risk fines up to €100,000 [5]. The measure is part of a broader approach to structurally improve public health and reduce healthcare costs [6].