The system for classifying foods from A to E has been reviewed in order to increase its health impact.
Regularly criticized for its method of calculation but nevertheless widely used by the French, the Nutri-Score algorithm has just been recalibrated.
Guiding consumers
“As part of the transnational governance of Nutri-Score, the steering committee – made up of the competent authorities of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland – finalized the process of revising the calculation algorithm”, can we read in a press release sent by the Ministry of Health and Public Health France.
“This new algorithm will strengthen the effectiveness of Nutri-Score to classify foods and beverages in line with the main recommendations of European countries and guide consumers towards informed choices favorable to their health”, add the health authorities.
In order to guard against chronic diseases and fight against obesity, the new tool will notably evolve in the assessment of beverages. Scientists want to achieve the following main objectives:
– harmonize the algorithm by ensuring a consistent classification of all beverages.
– Better differentiate the nutritional composition of beverages according to their sugar and sweetener content.
– Maintain the specific position of water – the only beverage recommended without reservation by international organizations – in category A.
Ensure consistency
The new algorithm will, however, retain an overall similar classification of fruit juices, nectars and smoothies, the latter having been deemed adequate by experts in the light of the scientific literature.
From now on, countries that have already deployed the Nutri-Score can initiate their national procedure aimed at formally adopting the new calculation algorithm. “In order to ensure consistency between the different territories, the countries involved have agreed on a coordinated implementation of the new algorithm once the regulatory procedures have been finalized by the different players by the end of 2023” specify the health authorities. From this date, operators will have two years to adapt the Nutri-Score of their products.
