In late March, the Nutri-Score Scientific Committee decided on several amendments to the Nutri-Score algorithm. The revised algorithm was validated and officially released in late July. This has direct implications for certain food manufacturers. In the Netherlands, the Nutri-Score front-of-pack nutrition label has already appeared on various food products for some time. Now that the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) intends to officially introduce Nutri-Score on a voluntary basis as of 1 January, 2024, there are consequences for food producers who previously used the old algorithm. How does this work, and what is changing?
By now, most of us are familiar with the Nutri-Score system. The letters A through E and their associated colour scale provide consumers with straightforward nutritional guidance. The French founders at Santé Publique France designed it to help consumers compare products more easily within a category. A dedicated algorithm calculates the Nutri-Score using a point-based scoring system for nutritional values and ingredients. The presence of sugar, saturated fat, and salt yields negative points, whereas fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts, dietary fibre, and protein earn positive points.
France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Germany introduced Nutri-Score earlier, utilising algorithm Version 1 or Version 2. “Consequently, these countries have a transitional period to switch to the new Nutri-Score algorithm,” explains Henriëtte Grooten, Product Compliance Expert at Eurofins Food Safety Solutions. “Food manufacturers in those markets have until May 2025 to implement the new algorithm and adjust their product labels where necessary. For certain product types, the revised algorithm may yield a better or worse score, shifting from an A to a B, or conversely from a C to a B. Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, we do not have that transition period.”
Grooten continues: “Because the Ministry of VWS decided to introduce Nutri-Score in the Netherlands starting 1 January, 2024, Dutch food producers who adopt Nutri-Score must display the label calculated under the new algorithm immediately as of 1 January, 2024. This also applies to early adopters who have used the front-of-pack label for some time. This applies specifically to products destined for the Dutch market. By contrast, products intended for France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Germany are only required to display the Nutri-Score calculated under algorithm Version 3 by 1 May, 2025. Newly launched products in those countries, however, must use the new algorithm immediately.”
According to Santé Publique France, several adjustments have been made to the algorithm for both beverages and solid foods. Grooten: “I notice several changes when calculating scores. For instance, there is a modification in how component percentages are calculated: previously, specific vegetable oils were included in the favorable score component, whereas this is now restricted strictly to fruits, vegetables, and pulses. In addition, the ‘red meat’ category has been adjusted and treated as a distinct product group in the new algorithm. The algorithm caps the positive score attributed to protein, setting a maximum on points earned. As a result, the Nutri-Score for red meat products may turn out less favourable under the new algorithm.”
Adopting the Nutri-Score label remains voluntary. According to the Ministry of VWS, food manufacturers can choose whether or not to implement Nutri-Score. However, participating in the scheme comes with binding rules. “Once you opt into Nutri-Score, cherry-picking is not permitted. You cannot say: ‘This product doesn't score well, so I'll leave the Nutri-Score off this packaging.’ If you commit to Nutri-Score, you are required to roll it out across your entire product portfolio. I notice this rule is not yet widely known,” Grooten points out.
Would you like to know how the new algorithm affects your product portfolio, or do you need a verification check on your Nutri-Score calculations? Please reach out to our team: call +31 (0) 888 31 00 00 or email sales-food-nl@eurofins.com.