Criteria for European Nutri-Score adapted

A seven-country working group in Europe has adopted adjusted criteria for the introduction of Nutri-Score. The changes are intended to make the index proposed by France more public-friendly with 'dietary recommendations' in the area of health. They also seek to bring the 27 EU countries closer together.

According to the scientific committee, the proposed Nutri-Score is 'effective', but adjustments are still needed within food types. Recently, countries have protested against warnings against excessive use of olive oil. There is also still disagreement about whether all French and Bulgarian cheeses are actually still 'cheese'.

Five product categories adjusted

Five product classes will be adjusted in the coming months. Just like oils, foods that are 'less rich in saturated fat' will benefit from a better classification. Oily fish will also be ranked higher so that consumers can better identify fish as a 'healthy food'. Finally, the classification of dairy products will be revised with a better differentiation between sweetened and unsweetened products.

The adjustments will bring the European Nutri-Score more in line with the Dutch Eatwell guide. In the absence of a European decision, some commercial parties in some EU countries have already started to introduce the logo, such as supermarket chains Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Plus. More and more A-brands are also using the logo on their products. In countries such as France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, the Nutri-Score has already been successfully introduced.

Nieuweoogst.nl