Switzerland’s ban on chlorothalonil will remain in force, according to a ruling by the Federal Administrative Court published on Thursday. Judges dismissed an appeal by Syngenta, which had challenged the prohibition of fungicides containing the substance. The ban dates back to December 2019, when the Federal Office for Agriculture withdrew approval for plant-protection products based […]
Henniez forced to avoid some water sources after filtration scandal
After revelations that its mineral water had been filtered, Henniez can no longer use the activated-carbon filters that once removed traces of pesticides. The Swiss bottler, owned by Nestlé Waters, must now stop using part of the water from some springs and instead adjust the blend of remaining sources so that the final product complies […]
Swiss politicians launch initiative to curb big tech
A cross-party committee has launched a popular initiative aimed at holding technology companies legally accountable if they fail in their duty of care, reported RTS. Among other measures, the proposal would require large digital platforms to appoint a legal representative in Switzerland. The initiative, presented on Tuesday by the Guido Fluri Foundation, seeks to make […]
Swiss anti-GM initiative gathers enough signatures for a vote
Regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Switzerland is set to return to the ballot box. A popular initiative titled “For food without genetically modified organisms” was submitted to the Federal Chancellery on Friday with more than 137,000 signatures, comfortably above the 100,000 required to trigger a nationwide vote. The proposal calls for continued strict […]
Wastewater points to rise in ketamine use in Switzerland
Ketamine consumption appears to be rising in Switzerland, according to new wastewater data, reported SRF. Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) analyse sewage samples to estimate drug use, working on the premise that what flows through treatment plants offers a snapshot of consumption patterns. Figures published by Dromedario, a substance-monitoring […]
Swiss politicians challenge WHO’s stance on alcohol
A group of Swiss politicians and hospitality industry representatives is pushing back against the World Health Organization, which in 2023 argued that no level of alcohol consumption can be considered risk-free, reported SRF. The agency maintains that even small amounts of wine, beer or spirits increase health risks. Critics in Switzerland say that position overstates […]
Toxin found in two infant-formula samples in Switzerland
Swiss authorities have detected cereulide—a toxin produced by certain strains of bacteria—in two of the first 33 infant-formula samples tested, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) said on Wednesday. The testing follows successive product recalls in Switzerland by Nestlé, Danone, Hochdorf and Vitagermine. The two positive samples were from Aptamil formula manufactured by […]
Swiss government wants discounts on popular drugs to curb health premiums
Switzerland’s Federal Council and parliament are seeking to slow the relentless rise in health-insurance premiums by cutting the cost of the country’s bestselling medicines. The government estimates the move could save CHF 350m ($450m) a year, reported RTS. Nearly a year ago lawmakers approved a package of measures aimed at containing health spending. On Thursday […]
A majority of Swiss households coping with rising health-insurance premiums
Rising premiums for compulsory health insurance continue to stir political debate in Switzerland. Yet a representative survey by Comparis, an online price comparison platform, suggests that for most households the burden remains manageable. Some 59% of respondents report no difficulty paying their premiums despite steady increases. Roughly one-third benefit from cantonal subsidies. Felix Schneuwly, health-insurance […]
Tensions rise in Bern over implementing the nursing initiative
Tempers are flaring in Bern over how to implement Switzerland’s initiative on nursing care, reported RTS this week. Following a successful vote (approved by 61% of voters) in 2021 to improve life for nurses, Switzerland’s federal government has put forward a package of measures aimed at improving nurses’ working conditions, including shorter hours and better […]
