Food industry coalition calls for mandatory Nutri-Score

Supermarkets, caterers, food producers and scientists are joining forces to influence policy in The Hague. In a joint petition to the Dutch House of Representatives, a broad coalition is calling for stronger support of Nutri-Score as a tool to help consumers make healthier food choices. The aim: greater clarity for consumers and an extra incentive for companies.

Three proposals on the table

The coalition is proposing three specific measures. First, a follow-up to the public campaign “Kijk, vergelijk & kies” to help consumers better understand Nutri-Score. Second, they suggest creating a platform for sharing practical examples within the food sector. Lastly, the petition urges lawmakers to make Nutri-Score mandatory on all packaging across the European Union.

Complementary to the Schijf van Vijf

According to the initiators, Nutri-Score helps consumers make healthier choices more quickly. At the same time, it pushes companies to improve their products. “Our food system is highly complex, and no perfect front-of-pack label exists, but Nutri-Score comes a long way,” says Suzanne van der Pijll of Schuttelaar & Partners, speaking on behalf of the coalition.

Support throughout the chain

The call is backed by companies including Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, PLUS, Albron, Iglo, HAK, Nestlé and Vion. CBL and marketing professor Koert van Ittersum are also among the signatories. Several retailers already display Nutri-Score on private label packaging or via electronic shelf labels. In foodservice, the logo is available in apps—for example, at Albron. Manufacturers are adjusting their recipes to achieve better scores, for instance by reducing salt or adding more vegetables.

Schuttelaar.nl