Can the 5-colour nutrition label “Nutri-Score” improve the health value of food?

Abstract

Obesity and other nutrition-related non-communicable diseases were virtually non-existent before the advent of industrialized food production. In recent years, a 5-color front-of-package food label (“Nutri-Score”) seeking to demonstrate the overall nutritional value and healthiness of food products has been adopted for voluntary use in some European countries. The Nutri-Score is mainly based on the sugar, salt and calorie content of food items. The present viewpoint discusses whether the Nutri-Score correctly identifies healthy and unhealthy food items and how large an impact the Nutri-Score may have on consumers’ choices. Furthermore, other benefits as well as hidden costs and drawbacks in implementing the Nutri-Score will be presented. Despite its reducing of the complex information regarding the contents of foods, the Nutri-Score may provide easily intelligible information regarding healthy nutrition and may become a valuable tool in educating consumers and influencing their food choices. The Nutri-Score may not become a game-changer in combating poor nutrition, but it is helpful in the right circumstances. If an inexpensive public policy, such as front-of-package labeling, makes some positive contribution, there is no reason to argue against its adoption. Even small effects may be relevant when a measure is adopted at population level.

Keywords

• Front-of-package food labeling
• Nutri-Score
• Food choice
• Food health value
• Obesity