Dutch nutritional labelling scheme Nutri-Score is being reviewed

A report from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, and the Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) has been released outlining the benefits and challenges of the nutrition labelling system, Nutri-Score. The labelling scheme was first announced in the Netherlands in 2019, but promptly faced criticism, leading to a scientific committee set up between the Netherlands and seven other European countries that were using or implementing Nutri-Score to improve the system in order for it to better adhere to national dietary guidelines.

The Dutch considered several front-of-pack nutritional labelling systems before deciding on Nutri-Score, including the British Traffic Light System and the Scandinavian Keyhole System. Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack label that simply and clearly demonstrates the nutritional value of the product using a five-colour scale, marked from A-E, with A in green representing the most nutritional choice and E in red, the least.

Although some Dutch food producers and supermarket chains have already begun voluntarily using Nutri-Score, it is foreseen to be officially introduced in the Dutch market in the first half of 2022. Introduction of the Nutri-score label is also expected in Luxembourg and Spain, and it has already been rolled out in Belgium, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Nutri-Score is designed to stimulate healthier consumer choices by rating products by their nutritional contents, distinguishing foods into four categories: general food, cheeses, fats, and beverages. Within each category there is a scoring system based on “positive” and “negative” components specific for each category (Figure 1 & 2 below).

1. “Negative” Components: Thresholds for Assignment of Points

2. “Positive” Components: Thresholds for Assignment of Points

After having attributed all points, a total score can be calculated. For this, points for “positive” components are subtracted from the points for “negative” components. The total number of points translates into the Nutri-Score rating as shown below (Figure 3). The fewer the points, the more favourable the ultimate Nutri-Score rating.

3. Nutri-Score Ratings Corresponding to Number of Points Calculated using the Nutri- Score Algorithm

It is possible that consumers may alter their buying decisions based on Nutri-Score ratings and that food manufacturers may need to adapt products to better fit Nutri-Score. However, there are many in the food sector who question the initiative, even though Nutri-Score’s algorithm is currently under re-evaluation to address criticism that Nutri-Score, in its current form, might contribute towards consumers making choices that are not in line with dietary guidelines. For example, sugary breakfast cereals can receive an A or B Nutri-Score rating whereas such cereals are not recommended under the national dietary guidelines. Further, it does not take into account portion sizes. Olive oil received a C rating but it is generally only used in very small quantities. The labelling scheme also doesn’t take into account how the food is prepared, as if it needs frying, the nutritional value of the food may be drastically altered.

Conversations are still underway to improve the Nutri-Score system. Developments are also anticipated on the European Union level. Under the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy’s action plan, a proposal for harmonised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling will be submitted before the end of 2022. Meanwhile another European front-of-pack label has rapidly gained momentum, which (unlike Nutri-Score) shows the sustainability of food products: known as Eco Score. Several supermarket chains have already committed to its use. As such, the expectation is that both voluntary and mandatory front-of-pack labelling of food will remain on the agenda for the coming years in Europe.

 

Figure 1 source: Adapted from “Nutri Score the Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling Scheme Recommended in France” retrieved from ec.europa.eu/food/system/files/2018-04/comm_ahac_20180423_pres4.pdf

Figure 2 source: Adapted from “Nutri Score the Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling Scheme Recommended in France” retrieved from ec.europa.eu/food/system/files/2018-04/comm_ahac_20180423_pres4.pdf

Figure 3 source: Adapted from www.bmel.de/DE/themen/ernaehrung/lebensmittel-kennzeichnung/freiwillige-angaben-und- label/nutri-score/naehrwertkennzeichnung-hilfestellungen.html#doc73490bodyText7

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