Innovative product labeling system kicks off in Europe

In the coming months, Brussels will introduce the Nutri-Score food labeling system to be used throughout the country. EU.

The label will show the nutritional value of the product according to the “traffic light” system: the less healthy will be marked in red and the letter E, and the most useful in green and the letter A. Belgian customers are already looking forward to the innovation: “We need such advice, now I will search”.

The Nutri-Score system, using a five-color scale, will demonstrate to consumers the nutritional value of a standard amount of product – 100 grams or milliliters. The rating will be increased by such components as fiber and proteins, fruits and vegetables. It will reduce its salt, fat, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.

It is expected that there will be a “great battle” over the new markings. For example, the Italian government and agricultural companies believe that the new scale underestimates the national delicacies – parmesan and prosciutto (pork jerky). Italian MEP Herbert Dorfmann says:

“Unfortunately, there are many examples showing how Nutri-Score can mislead the consumer. This system determines the quality of the product without taking into account its quantity, and it is of great importance. There is a big difference, I eat 50 grams of Italian ham spec or 500 grams, and Nutri-Score does not reflect this.

Another important note – the color on the label does not take into account the degree of processing of the product and the additives contained in it, evaluating only the nutritional balance. It is for this reason that butter or olive oil may rank lower than packaged cooked meals that contain preservatives.

And yet, according to Nutri-Score supporters, the system has many more advantages than disadvantages. Pauline Constant, representative of the European Consumer Protection Association, explains:

“In order to be effective, the front label has to meet certain criteria: be color-coded, be mandatory, be based on independent scientific evidence… And Nutri-Score seems to fit the bill. That is why this system is currently the best candidate for nutrition labeling in Europe.”

The Association has compiled the results of more than one hundred independent scientific studies in support of the Nutri-Score and hopes that the EC will soon offer it to all member countries. However, Brussels points out that the traffic light label is only a summary of the full nutritional value of the product. And even more so does not confirm the expression “you consist of what you eat.”

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