Food regulation and public health: the case of sugar

This doctoral thesis analyzes the possibilities and challenges of regulating unhealthy foods for public health, using sugar as a case study. It focuses on the example of Switzerland, which unlike other countries has practically no legal measures targeting unhealthy foods, including sugar. After discussing excessive sugar consumption and its link to noncommunicable diseases, this thesis explores potential binding and voluntary measures to reduce sugar intake. It discusses the rationale for and objections to legislative measures, alongside concrete suggestions. Finally, the present thesis examines the promises and perils of binding and nonbinding measures, as well as their delicate interplay. Reflections de lege ferenda and future perspectives are then provided.