Not classifiable as either fish or meat product
In the heart of German politics, the Bundestag is currently focusing on initiatives that promote plant-based diets. These efforts aim to support economic equality, endorse alternative protein research for sustainability, and address social-political challenges surrounding vegetarian and vegan acceptance.
One of the key proposals under discussion is a petition from an alliance of food retailers and plant-based manufacturers, urging the Bundestag to lower the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on plant-based drinks from 19% to 7%. This move is believed to promote social ecological equality and fair competition with animal-based products [1][2].
Germany’s Scientific Advisory Board on Agricultural Policy, Food and Consumer Health Protection (WBAE) recently recommended increased support for alternative proteins, including plant-based alternatives, cell-cultivated products, and hybrids. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of conventional livestock farming [1]. However, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has shown some reluctance, with the minister acknowledging the role alternative products can play [1].
While policy discussions are progressing, there have been reports suggesting that social acceptance issues remain within some political circles. A documented incident of derogatory comments towards vegetarian choices by a parliamentary employee of the nationalist party AfD highlights this challenge [3].
Meanwhile, outside the realm of politics, Karl Lauterbach, a well-known advocate for vegetarian and vegan diets, has moved into the House of History. Known for his collection of flies, Lauterbach, who is likely the new Minister of Health in Germany, has stopped wearing the dead fly as an accessory [4].
Lauterbach is not alone in his dietary choices. Cem Özdemir, also a prominent figure, understands the challenges of being an 'oddball' when it comes to dietary preferences [5]. However, no specific role or fact about Özdemir is provided in this context.
It is worth noting that a Freiburg student's parents failed to secure a court order for malnutrition due to her vegetarian or vegan diet, which includes three vegetarian or vegan days and one day with meat or fish. The court noted that the student is not obligated to participate in school catering and suggested that her parents could provide her with more substantial food [6].
In the Bundestag canteen, sausage and meat rolls are available around the clock, offering a stark contrast to the student's dietary choices [7]. A Staatsanzeiger subscription is required to subscribe to topics and save articles, providing another layer of accessibility to the political discourse [8].
Despite these challenges and contrasts, the focus remains on progressing policies that support plant-based diets and sustainable agricultural practices in Germany.
References: [1] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/vegan-steuer-kostentrag-101.html [2] https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/vegan-steuersenkung-fuer-alternative-milchprodukte-a-1560707.html [3] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article211595017/AfD-Abgeordneter-beleidigt-vegane-Frau-im-Bundestag.html [4] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/lauterbach-fliegen-101.html [5] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cem-ozdemir-vegan-vegetarier-im-bundestag-a-1255043.html [6] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/vegan-vegetarier-im-bundestag-aber-was-ist-gesund-a-1287667.html [7] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundestag-kantine-101.html [8] https://www.staatsanzeiger.de/abonnieren.html
- Karl Lauterbach, now a Minister of Health in Germany, has transitioned into the House of History, known for his advocacy for vegetarian and vegan diets and his unusual accessory - a collection of flies.
- Cem Özdemir, another prominent figure, acknowledges the challenges of maintaining dietary preferences that deviate from the norm, such as vegetarianism or veganism.
- The student's parents in Freiburg were unable to secure a court order for malnutrition due to her vegetarian or vegan diet, which includes three vegetarian or vegan days and one day with meat or fish.
- A petition from an alliance of food retailers and plant-based manufacturers is urging the Bundestag to lower the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on plant-based drinks, with the aim of promoting social and ecological equality and fair competition with animal-based products.
