[Distribution of Health Science Experts and Public Health Professionals in Public Health Departments in Germany]. / Public-Health-Professionals im Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst ­ die Verteilung gesundheitswissenschaftlicher Fachkräfte in deutschen Gesundheitsämtern.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the number and distribution of academically qualified professionals in the field of Public Health at the lower level of health authorities. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of Public Health Professionals in Public Health Authorities in Germany. METHOD: An online survey was conducted with the directors of the 376 German Public Health Authorities regarding the presence of Public Health Professionals and their views on personnel needs. The term Public Health Professionals was operationalized. The survey took place starting in 06/2023 over a period of 14 weeks. The results were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS: The participation rate in the survey was 40.4% (n=152). On average, the participating Public Health Authorities employed 2.6 (SD 3.85, MD 2) Public Health Professionals. 28.3% (n=43) of directors reported not employing any Public Health Professionals. 78.3% (n=119) of the leadership reported needing more staff. Additionally, 65.1% (n=99) expressed the need for more personnel with a degree or those with additional training in the field of Public Health. CONCLUSION: Personnel from the field of Public Health are not yet represented in all Public Health Authorities in Germany. Both the distribution of Public Health Professionals in the participating Public Health Authorities and the views of the department heads regarding the needs of this professional group in their own Public Health Authorities are heterogeneous. In summary, there is a clear need to strengthen collaboration between academic Public Health Professionals and the Public Health Authorities.

Checkmating the Nutri-Score: Will Food Patriotism Prevent the Harmonization of Front-of-Pack Labeling Schemes within the EU?

Front-of-pack labeling schemes are an effective but contested regulatory approach to nudge consumers towards healthy food choices. The Nutri-Score, being implemented by seven European countries, is one of the most elaborated and evidence-based examples. Therefore, the Nutri-Score has been deemed as the frontrunner within the EU Commission's attempt to harmonize front-of-pack labeling among EU member states under its Farm-to-Fork strategy (F2F) by the end of 2022. However, the endeavor is on the brink of failure due to massive resistance by Mediterranean member states and parts of the food industry capitalizing on patriotic narratives (e.g. Made in Italy). This comment investigates the Nutri-Score saga from a political and commercial determinants of health lens. It argues that an EU-wide roll-out of the label hinges on the specific interplay between political structures and stakeholder agency. As shown, the EU's weak decision-making power has been exploited by the No-Nutri-Score alliance.