Is mandatory Nutri-Score getting closer?

Will Nutri-Score soon become mandatory on every food product? According to Foodwatch, the time has come to take that step. The organization is calling on the Netherlands and five other European countries to end the voluntary use of the front-of-pack nutrition label. If governments act on that call, it could affect manufacturers, packaging, and the way products are presented on supermarket shelves.

Voluntary use under scrutiny

Foodwatch has been campaigning for years for a clear and independent front-of-pack label. According to the organization, Nutri-Score has improved significantly following several scientific evaluations. "The biggest teething problems have been resolved," says Frank Lindner of Foodwatch. "Nutri-Score is not perfect, but it is by far Europe's best opportunity for a clear, reliable, and independent front-of-pack nutrition label."

According to Foodwatch, the current voluntary system falls short. Manufacturers can choose to display the logo only on brands and products with a favorable score. Products with a lower score can therefore remain on the shelf without Nutri-Score. As a result, consumers are less able to compare products, according to the organization. Foodwatch also argues that companies displaying Nutri-Score across their entire product range could be placed at a disadvantage compared to competitors that only apply the label to products with high scores.

Legal basis

To support its call, Foodwatch has published a legal memorandum by Dr. Nikhil Gokani. According to the organization, the memorandum shows that European member states may propose making Nutri-Score mandatory at the national level without conflicting with current European legislation. Because the European Union has not yet adopted a mandatory front-of-pack nutrition label, Foodwatch believes there is room for national measures.

The call comes as parts of the food industry are, according to Foodwatch, trying to delay the rollout of Nutri-Score. Dairy company Lactalis, which operates in the Netherlands with the brands Leerdammer, Galbani, and Président, has launched legal proceedings. The company argues that Nutri-Score conflicts with European legislation. Foodwatch has also launched a petition calling on the participating countries to make the label mandatory.

Foodwatch.org