Nutri-Score logos at risk of failing on Dutch grocery shelves

The Nutri-Score, the official food choice healthy rating system introduced in January, is at risk of becoming a failed program. This is because several large food producers are not planning on including the score on their packaging. They disagree, among other things, with the algorithm used to determine which product is a better choice compared to similar products, according to an investigation from consumer affairs program Kassa.

As a result, the score is missing on countless packages in supermarkets. The Nutri-Score uses letters from A to E to indicate the nutritional quality of comparable products. Companies that choose to use the score have two years to incorporate it into their packaging.

Kassa surveyed food manufacturers and reviewed products in supermarkets. Among the companies refusing to use the food choice logo on their products are Unilever, Heineken, Arla Foods, and Cono Kaasmakers.

According to Kassa, Unilever has stated that it does not plan to use the Nutri-Score. As a result, the label is missing from their product lineup. The company claims that the way the score is calculated does not align with the goals of the National Prevention Agreement, which focuses on reducing obesity.

“It is currently nearly impossible to reformulate a product categorized as a C to achieve a B or A rating. This means there isn’t enough incentive to improve a product,” a spokesperson explained to Kassa.

Unilever added that portion size is not taken into account, which is not acceptable to them. “Even if a product’s portion size is reduced, it still receives the same score. Additionally, the food choice logo allows for manipulation. Nutrients that have a negative impact on health can be offset by adding extra fiber, protein, and minerals,” their spokesperson stated.

Additionally, consumer organizations are reportedly concerned about the lack of mandatory enforcement of the Nutri-Score, according to Kassa. The system is voluntary, but once a brand uses it for their products, they have to use the scoring system for their entire product line.