Reykjavik children still eating hot dogs despite new city policy

Reykjavik's new policy to remove processed meats from children's menus has had little impact on hot dog consumption among children in summer recreational programs. Staff at several city recreational centers reported no change in hot dog purchases this summer, with traditional offerings of grilled hot dogs continuing.

Steinþór Skúlason, CEO of SS-pylsa producer Sláturfélag Suðurlands, noted that his company hasn't seen a significant drop in hot dog sales in Reykjavik. He acknowledged that sales often depend on weather but suggested the new food policy might face more challenges when schools reopen in the fall.

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Our view is that this is extreme, that people should only be allowed to have hot dogs once a year and hangikjöt once at Christmas. I don't think this holds up to scrutiny and is excessive paternalism in our opinion. I think people can be trusted to decide what they eat, but of course, as with most things, everything is best in moderation.

Skúlason criticized the policy as extreme and overly controlling, stating that people should be trusted to make their own food choices. He argued against excluding traditional Icelandic foods like dried fish and salted meat, which he believes have been vital to the nation's survival. He expressed confidence that a new city council majority would repeal what he termed "nonsense."

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I just trust that this new majority in the city will repeal such nonsense.