Since 2000, sugar consumption in Norway has decreased from 43 to 24 kilos per year. This is what the Directorate of Health - Norway's equivalent of the National Board of Health - writes in a recent report.

But the question is how reliable those numbers are.

- We know nothing about how purchases in Sweden affect consumption and public health, says Petter Haas Brubakk, CEO of the NGO Mat og drink.

Lacks knowledge

Trade organizations are now questioning the Norwegian public health figures. A large part of the border retailers' best-sellers are pure uselessness, such as alcohol, tobacco, pork, soft drinks and sweets.

And border trade is not included in the public health reports at all.

- We know nothing about the effects of border trade, not what products we buy or how much. Once you have traveled across the border you buy a lot more than you would otherwise, but do you consume it faster then? We do not know, says Petter Haas Brubakk.

New study will provide answers

The Directorate of Health also admits that border trade is a complicating factor. Now, for the first time, a special study is being done to try to find out what the Norwegians actually consume, when trade in Sweden is also included.

- It is important to include that in the statistics as well. We hope that our message about healthy eating habits also reaches those who travel to Sweden to shop, says Linda Granlund, head of division in the Directorate of Health.

"Supports the Swedish economy"

But according to the customers SVT speaks to in the mall in Charlottenberg no studies are needed. They are clear about their cause.

"I don't buy candy at all in Norway," says Heidi Jotun, who just filled a large bag in one of the mall's candy stores.

Lars Sten, who loads six large bags of liquorice in his shopping cart, smiles and agrees.

- You want some money left after Christmas too, so then you go here and shop and support the Swedish economy!

A bit away, Veronica Gustavsen notes:

- We depend on sweets, so we travel to Sweden to get it cheaper!