Harmonised and mandatory nutrition labelling in the EU

Subject: Harmonised and mandatory nutrition labelling in the EU

The Commission has announced a revision of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, as part of which it is proposing harmonised and mandatory nutrition labelling. Nutri-Score, which to date has been voluntarily introduced in seven Member States, seems to be the preferred choice in this connection.

It has been criticised in the Netherlands by over 180 nutritionists and physicians. Nutri-Score assigns products an absolute rating, but that rating is based on a comparison with products within the same category, with no account being taken of a healthy and varied diet. In addition, Nutri-Score is based on self-reported data from food producers, which hinders independent scrutiny. Ratings do not match the Wheel of Five pattern in the Netherlands, and the current Nutri-Score scheme seems to be contrary to fair information practices as referred to in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.

1. Does the Commission agree that Nutri-Score is contrary to Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, and is it considering adapting Nutri-Score or an alternative nutrition label?

2. Will the Commission assess the impact of a nutrition label on consumer behaviour and health before revising Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011?

3. Will the Commission prioritise healthy lifestyles, in addition to nutrition labelling, in order to promote active ageing?

Submitted: 8.3.2023

Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

(20 April 2023)

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (1) sets out that certain particulars of the mandatory nutrition declaration on prepacked foods may be repeated on the front-of-pack.

Member States can recommend, or food business operators can use, particular front-of-pack nutrition labelling schemes if they comply with EU legislation.

In the context of notifications of national measures, the Commission assesses the compliance of the notified national front-of-pack nutrition labelling schemes, such as Nutriscore, with EU legislation.

Under the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission announced the revision of the food labelling rules, including front-of-pack nutrition labelling.

An impact assessment is currently in preparation, involving a wide-ranging evidence and data gathering exercise. Additional evidence gathering and analytical work are recommended to ensure consumer needs and perceptions are properly taken into consideration, in order to allow the design of balanced proposals.

The Commission has set up a comprehensive approach to address non-communicable diseases and to support Member States in reaching targets such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of addressing health determinants and promoting active ageing.

Such work can be supported through the Healthier Together — EU NCDs initiative (2) which focuses on health promotion and disease prevention with a holistic approach.

The Commission will consult the Member States on future public health priorities and needs through the newly set up Expert Group on Public Health (3).

1 ∙ ⸱ Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (OJ L 304,

22.11.2011, p. 18).

2 ∙ ⸱ https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/eu-non-communicable-diseases-ncds-initiative-guidance-document_en

3 ∙ ⸱ https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/expert-group-public-health_en#:~:text=The%20Expert%20Group%20on%20Public%20Health%20advises

%20the,to%20address%20challenges%20concerning%20vaccination%20and%20antimicrobial%20resistance