Nutri-Score

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Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack labeling system designed to provide a quick and easy guide to the nutritional quality of food products and beverages. Developed in France in 2017, it has since been adopted by several European countries as a voluntary label. The Nutri-Score aims to help consumers make healthier food choices at a glance when shopping.

Overview

The Nutri-Score system ranks food and beverages on a scale from A to E, with A being the healthiest option and E indicating products with the lowest nutritional quality. This ranking is determined based on a scientific algorithm that takes into account the nutrients to favor (such as fiber, protein, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts) and the nutrients to limit (such as energy, saturated fats, sugars, and salt).

Calculation

The score is calculated per 100 grams or 100 milliliters of product. Points are assigned for both positive and negative nutritional factors. The total score then translates into a letter and color code: dark green (A) for the highest score through to dark orange (E) for the lowest.

Implementation

While the Nutri-Score is voluntary, its adoption has been encouraged by public health policies in countries like France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Food manufacturers and retailers can choose to display the Nutri-Score on their products to help consumers make informed choices.

Controversy

The Nutri-Score system has faced criticism from some food industry groups and countries. Critics argue that it oversimplifies nutrition information and may mislead consumers about the overall healthiness of certain foods. For example, traditional products like olive oil may score lower due to their fat content, despite being considered part of a healthy diet in Mediterranean countries.

Impact

Research indicates that the Nutri-Score can positively influence consumer buying behavior, leading to healthier choices. Studies also suggest that it could potentially improve public health outcomes by reducing the intake of foods high in sugars, salt, and saturated fats.

Future Directions

The ongoing debate around the Nutri-Score highlights the challenges of designing a labeling system that is both scientifically accurate and easy for consumers to understand. Future developments may include adjustments to the algorithm to address criticisms and further harmonization of front-of-pack labeling at the European level.