78% of Belgians want Nutri-Score on every packaging

The voluntary use of Nutri-Score is under debate in Belgium. Political proposals focus on food packaging and advertising. One proposal would make the label mandatory on every package. Stricter advertising rules are also under consideration. According to Testaankoop, a large majority of Belgians support this expansion.

Not every product has a score

Belgium introduced Nutri-Score in 2018, following France. The label ranges from a dark green A to a dark red E. The score indicates how healthy a product is within a specific category. The label is now widely recognized among Belgian consumers. A Testaankoop survey found that 94% are familiar with Nutri-Score. In addition, 57% have purchased a product because of the label.

Food companies currently decide whether to display the score. As a result, a company may use the label for one brand but not another. Not every product within a category carries a score either. According to Testaankoop, this often makes comparisons impossible.

Score could become mandatory on packaging

Three political proposals aim to expand the use of Nutri-Score. Les Engagés, a party in the governing coalition, wants to make the label mandatory on every package. This proposal has the support of 78% of respondents. Testaankoop also supports the requirement. It would allow consumers to compare products based on both price and nutritional value.

“Some manufacturers now deliberately choose not to display their poor Nutri-Scores out of concern that consumers will be more likely to choose another product,” says Laura Clays, spokesperson for Testaankoop.

Advertising proposals

The other two proposals concern food advertising. Les Engagés wants to ban advertising for products with a Nutri-Score of D or E. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke wants to make Nutri-Score mandatory in advertising. According to the source, this proposal has the best chance of succeeding. Of those surveyed, 65% support such a requirement.

For advertising aimed at children, support rises to 73%. Testaankoop is calling on the Belgian government to support the proposal.

Test-aankoop.be