A recent study found that Switzerland's intake of meat and dairy products is significantly higher than the guidelines set by the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet, with consumption levels reaching up to 850 percent above recommended amounts.
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Published in August by BMC Global and Public Health, the study assessed data from the 2014–2015 Swiss national nutrition survey, menuCH, which involved 2,057 adults aged 16 to 75. The analysis revealed that most surveyed individuals underconsumed essential plant-based foods, notably legumes, with intake at only four percent of the recommended daily amount.
The research indicated that meat consumption, particularly excluding poultry, was the most excessive, averaging 850 percent over the recommended daily allowance, while dairy intake exceeded recommendations by 363 percent. In contrast, the least consumed recommended items were legumes and unsaturated oils at just four percent and 39 percent, respectively. However, consumption of grains and fish was aligned more closely with the guidelines, at 96 percent and 103 percent, respectively. Notably, women tended to adhere more closely to the suggested plant-rich diet than men.
The authors of the study concluded that Swiss dietary habits exceed the Planetary Health Diet recommendations, particularly regarding meat and dairy, while emphasizing the need for an increase in plant-based food consumption to meet health and environmental sustainability goals. They noted that the survey data may not fully reflect current eating trends due to the rise of plant-based diets in recent years, especially among younger populations.
In related findings from May, researchers identified a probable link between increased legume consumption and a reduced risk of hypertension. Another report projected that doubling the consumption of European fava beans by 2040 could save approximately €42 million annually in healthcare costs while simultaneously reducing pesticide usage and CO2 emissions.
Additionally, Switzerland has enacted new legislation requiring clear labeling of food products derived from animals subjected to painful procedures, effective July 1, 2025, following a two-year transition period. This legislation covers common items such as meat, eggs, and milk.