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Will this eye-catching initiative be scrapped?
Foodwatch is calling on the Efteling to immediately discontinue its unlimited soft drink package, “D’n Dorstlesser,” for which visitors pay 17 euros for a reusable cup that allows them to refill their drinks all day long. According to the food watchdog, the system encourages excessive sugar intake and brand loyalty to Coca-Cola among children.
The organization says it has received complaints from concerned visitors and points out that the package can lead to an extremely high sugar intake in a single day. Foodwatch campaigner Liz Kunst states that a visitor who refills their cup multiple times could even exceed the World Health Organization’s daily guidelines. In addition, Foodwatch takes issue with Coca-Cola’s prominent presence in the park.
No discontinuation for now
Efteling responded with surprise and has no intention of discontinuing the concept. The park says Foodwatch should have sought dialogue first and that there had been no prior contact. According to the spokesperson, visitors at the dispensing stations can just as easily choose water or sugar-free beverages. Furthermore, Efteling emphasizes that the cup is intended as a reusable and sustainable product, as well as a souvenir to take home. However, there is a restriction: visitors can have their cup refilled only once every 45 minutes. This is intended to prevent young visitors, in particular, from consuming too many calories in a short period of time. Efteling also states that Foodwatch’s call to action is “difficult and less constructive,” as it prevents a meaningful dialogue from taking place.
Incidentally, this is not the first time Foodwatch has criticized the amusement park’s food and beverage policies. Meanwhile, Efteling points out that similar systems are also used at other parks, including Bobbejaanland, Slagharen, Movie Park, and Europa-Park. According to the park, there has been no significant influx of complaints.
©Teunard Droog via Unsplash - illustrative image