The colored nutritional value logo Nutri-Score on food is intended to make it easier to identify healthier finished products in the supermarket. Now there are changes to the five-stage traffic light.
From “A” on a dark green field to the red “E”: The Nutri-Score is intended to encourage people to buy healthier products. It is now being adapted to current nutritional recommendations.
The ratings for some ingredients are to be changed for the food logo Nutri-Score as an aid to buying healthier products. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture announced that they would be more closely aligned with current nutritional recommendations.
The scientifically developed further development of the algorithm was therefore decided in an international committee, which includes representatives from seven countries – in addition to Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.
The name of the labeling system developed in France means something like “nutrition score”. In addition to sugar, fat and salt, it also includes recommended elements such as fiber, protein or proportions of fruit and vegetables. Points are awarded for the quantities per 100 grams. The result is a single overall value, which is shown on a five-stage scale: from “A” on a dark green field for the most favorable balance to a yellow “C” and red “E” for the least favorable. The applicable field will be highlighted.
Specifically, the Nutri-Score is to be weighted more heavily in the future, among other things, as the ministry explained. In the case of bread and baked goods, it should be easier to distinguish between whole grain products with a lot of fiber. Oils with a low proportion of saturated fatty acids such as olive, rapeseed and walnut oil can therefore achieve more favorable ratings in the future. A scientific committee is expected to present suggestions for possible changes to beverages before the end of this year.
If the changes are implemented, the terms of use for the companies that use the Nutri-Score will be changed. There should also be transitional periods. Providers can use the logo on a voluntary basis, but then have to adhere to the specifications. A regulation has been in force in Germany since November 2020 as a framework for legally secure use. According to the ministry, around 570 companies with around 860 brands have now registered for use on the German market.
