Nutri‐Score

Abstract

Reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is one of the top priorities of public health policies worldwide. One of the recognized means of achieving this objective is to improve the diet quality. The Nutri-Score (N-S) is a [five-color—A, B, C, D, E letters] front-of-pack labeling logo intended to help consumers quickly identify the healthier prepackaged foods within a food category. Available studies have shown that the N-S is an efficient tool to achieve this aim in terms of consumers’ awareness, perception, understanding, and purchasing and that its use may help to reduce the prevalence of NCDs. The N-S is currently implemented on a voluntary basis in 7 European countries and a discussion is underway within the European Commission to achieve a harmonized mandatory label. However, no study on the putative impact of the N-S on children’s dietary patterns and health is available. The N-S is not applicable to infants’ and young children’s formulas and to specific baby foods, the compositions of which are already laid down in European Union regulations. The N-S does not replace age-appropriate dietary guidelines. As children consume an increasing number of adult type and processed foods, the relevance of the N-S for children should be evaluated considering the children’s high specific requirements, especially in younger children. This is especially necessary for fitting fat and iron requirements, whereas protein-rich foods should be better framed. Moreover, efforts should be made to inform on how to use the N-S and in education on healthy diets.

Food Front-of-Pack Labelling and the Nutri-Score Nutrition Label—Poland-Wide Cross-Sectional Expert Opinion Study

“…The Nutri-Score system has been analysed in many studies. While many of these studies have shown that the system fits in with healthy eating and public health recommendations [ 12 ], as well as in helping to make healthier dietary choices and improving the health of the population [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ], the scientific community has also highlighted the flaws and systemic shortcomings of this algorithm, or pointed to the lack of clear and reliable evidence of its positive impact on consumers’ dietary choices [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”