Government Approves Stricter Nutri-Score Updates After Internal Disputes

The revised Nutri-Score aims to address public health concerns but raises concerns about its impact on traditional French products.

The French government has signed off on a new version of the Nutri-Score, an optional nutritional labeling system developed to combat obesity and related health issues.
The updated algorithm is stricter on processed foods, differentiating products based on salt, sugar, and saturated fat content, while improving classifications for items like fatty fish, certain oils, and beverages.
Critics, including Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, argue that the system unfairly penalizes traditional French foods like cheese and charcuterie, which are staples of the country's culinary heritage.
Companies have two years to update packaging with the revised Nutri-Score, which remains voluntary but has been widely adopted since its 2017 introduction in France and six other European countries.
Proponents, including health experts and consumer advocacy groups, hail the changes as a victory for public health, though calls persist to make the system mandatory across Europe.