The controversial color-coded label,
Nutriscore, will have no future in the European Union.
Brussels has reportedly shelved the idea of adopting the
divisive traffic-light-style nutritional labeling system across
all 27 member states. Although never officially approved,
Nutriscore has been widely debated and controversial. This
revelation comes from the French broadcaster Radio France,
citing a document reviewed by the NGO Foodwatch at the end of
2024. According to this document, Wolfgang Burtscher,
Director-General for Agriculture at the European Commission,
assured that the future common labeling proposal "will not copy
any existing system." This means that the traffic-light-style
system already in use in France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, the
Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland will not be adopted.
With a rating system ranging from 'A' (green) to 'E' (red), the
French Nutriscore is appreciated by its supporters for its
visual immediacy but criticized by detractors for being overly
simplistic and misleading regarding the nutritional content of
foods. For years, it has divided Europe, which has sought unity
even in labeling matters. Southern European countries have been
particularly critical, as Mediterranean diet staples like olive
oil, Parmesan cheese, and prosciutto receive lower scores such
as 'C' or 'D.' For Italy, this has always been "unacceptable,"
and an "eventual EU halt to Nutriscore can be considered a
victory—an Italian victory," commented Agriculture Minister
Francesco Lollobrigida, emphasizing the country's unity in the
battle.
"All ministers, regardless of political affiliation, have always
supported the fight for transparent, informative, and
non-misleading labeling, unlike Nutriscore. If today Europe is
decisively acknowledging this, it is thanks to Italy," he
asserted.
According to Radio France, Brussels reversed course under
"pressure from Italian lobbies," referring to Italy's campaign
for Nutrinform Battery, an alternative that Rome considers
fairer because it relates a product's nutritional value to the
recommended daily intake. The European Commission was initially
expected to present a harmonized labeling proposal before the
end of the previous legislative term but decided to postpone it
indefinitely due to opposition from several governments,
including Italy's.
When asked about the issue during a press briefing, Brussels
avoided commenting on the French radio report. Instead, it
remained vague, reiterating only its "commitment to ensuring
transparency and consumers' right to informed choices" without
providing a timeline for its proposal. The goal remains to find
"the best solution for consumers," an EU spokesperson stressed,
without explicitly favoring the Italian proposal.
Nonetheless, in Rome, this was enough to celebrate. "It would be
a victory for common sense, confirming the validity of our
intense battle for clarity and accuracy in food information to
protect consumers," declared Massimiliano Giansanti, president
of Confagricoltura.
#IMCAP
"Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed
belong solely to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect
those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the
granting authority can be held responsible."
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
