2024-10-24 14:00:00
Affixed to the top of food packaging, the Nutri-Score is a nutritional information system in the form of a five-color logo (doubled with letters), which aims to provide information on the overall nutritional quality of foods. Adopted by France in 2017, it meets opposition from active lobbies in Brussels who prevent its extension to the whole of Europe.
France must make a firm commitment within Europe so that consumers everywhere on the continent have access to this nutritional logo. Developed by researchers with no interest in the food industry, the Nutri-Score allows consumers to compare at a glance the nutritional value of foods in the same area.
In addition, the Nutri-Score pushes manufacturers to improve the nutritional composition of the foods they produce in order to be better classified on this scale. It is a real public health tool based on solid scientific foundations. It has been validated by more than a hundred studies which have demonstrated its interest and effectiveness. Of course, Nutri-Score alone will not solve all public health nutrition problems.
60% of the French food market
However, scientific work accumulated over several years demonstrates that it can help reduce the risk of chronic pathologies, which constitute major public health issues. A February 2024 study from OECD researchers calculated that the mere application of the Nutri-Score in the 27 European countries would make it possible to avoid nearly 2 million cases of non-communicable diseases between 2023 and 2050, to significantly reduce annual health expenditure and to improve employment and productivity in the European Union.
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After several years of battles against agri-food lobbies, the Nutri-Score was finally adopted in France in 2017, certainly on a voluntary basis but as the official nutritional information logo recommended by public authorities. It has since been adopted in six other countries in Europe (Germany, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland). If no manufacturer agreed to display it when it was proposed in 2014, and only six at the time of its formalization in 2017, more than 1,400 brands have adopted it in 2024, which represents around 60% of the market French food.
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But large agri-food groups are fighting it (like Ferrero, Coca-Cola, Mars, Lactalis, Mondelez, Kraft, Unilever, producers of cold meats and cheeses) and different groups (like Danone and Bjorg) which had adopted it have adopted it. removed from some of their brands.
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Interview with Dr. Marie Dupont, Nutrition Policy Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. Can you explain what the Nutri-Score is and how it works?
Dr. Dupont: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The Nutri-Score is a simple, five-color logo with corresponding letters that indicates the overall nutritional quality of food products. It was adopted in France in 2017 and allows consumers to quickly compare the nutritional value of different foods within the same category.
Editor: There seems to be significant opposition in Brussels regarding the extension of Nutri-Score across Europe. What do you think is the main reason behind this resistance?
Dr. Dupont: The opposition primarily stems from lobbying efforts by certain food industry groups. These lobbies often argue that Nutri-Score could negatively impact their products and, by extension, their profits. However, many health experts believe that making Nutri-Score mandatory could empower consumers and encourage manufacturers to improve the nutritional quality of their offerings.
Editor: It sounds like a powerful public health tool. How has the Nutri-Score been validated scientifically?
Dr. Dupont: It’s backed by over a hundred studies that demonstrate its effectiveness in helping consumers make healthier choices. Research has shown that the Nutri-Score can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, which are significant public health concerns in Europe.
Editor: In France, what impact has Nutri-Score had on consumer behavior and the food market?
Dr. Dupont: Remarkably, Nutri-Score now covers about 60% of the French food market. Consumers are increasingly using it as a guide for healthier eating, and manufacturers are responding by reformulating their products to achieve better scores. This creates a positive feedback loop where public health improves while also pushing the food industry towards better nutrition.
Editor: Looking ahead, what can France do to ensure the Nutri-Score becomes a continent-wide initiative?
Dr. Dupont: France must take a strong leadership role within the EU to advocate for the adoption of Nutri-Score across Europe. This involves working collaboratively with other countries, presenting the scientific evidence supporting Nutri-Score, and highlighting its benefits for public health and consumer empowerment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for shedding light on this important issue. It sounds like the Nutri-Score could play a pivotal role in the future of nutrition in Europe.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. I truly believe that with strong commitment and collaboration, we can enhance public health across Europe by making nutritional information more accessible to everyone.
S the Nutri-Score had on the food market since its introduction?
Dr. Dupont: Since its voluntary adoption in 2017, Nutri-Score has seen remarkable growth. As of 2024, around 1,400 brands have embraced it, representing approximately 60% of the French food market. This widespread acceptance has encouraged many manufacturers to reformulate their products for better Nutri-Scores, leading to healthier options for consumers.
Editor: There’s also mention of large agri-food companies pushing back against the Nutri-Score. How do you see this affecting the initiative’s future?
Dr. Dupont: The resistance from major players like Ferrero and Coca-Cola is concerning, but it also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the food industry. Their opposition demonstrates that Nutri-Score is significant and influential. For its future, we need strong political will from France and other European nations to counteract these lobbies and ensure that consumers everywhere have access to meaningful nutritional information.
Editor: What would you say to consumers who are skeptical about the Nutri-Score’s effectiveness?
Dr. Dupont: I’d encourage them to look at the evidence. The Nutri-Score helps make informed choices and has broad support from public health experts and researchers. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a valuable tool that can help combat the rising rates of non-communicable diseases and improve overall nutrition across Europe.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for sharing your insights on this important public health initiative.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we keep this conversation going.
