Raise the level of requirements. Thus sounds the resolution for the year 2024 of Nutri-Score, this label set up at the initiative of the French government in 2016, which indicates the quality of products from mass distribution.
But from January 1, the rules change. And harden. With a modified calculation system and stricter criteria. The principle is simple: promote products rich in fiber, proteins and minerals, and penalize more severely products with a high sugar, salt and fat content.
“This new algorithm will strengthen the effectiveness of Nutri-Score to classify foods and drinks in line with the main dietary recommendations of European countries and guide consumers towards informed choices favorable to their health,” argues the general management of health (DGS).
Haro on processed products and sweeteners
Thus, prepared meals and processed products can already say goodbye to the green color attributed to items rated A and B. The same goes for sugary cereals, or even frozen pizzas. In addition, red meats will systematically be ranked lower than poultry and other lean meats.
Conversely, rapeseed or walnut oils, known to be less fatty, benefit in the change. These will in fact see their rating increase. As are whole grains and fatty fish like salmon, for example.
In addition, by modifying the algorithm, the steering committee – made up of the competent authorities of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland – tackled sweeteners. Very popular with manufacturers, they are mainly found in items that pride themselves on being “low in sugar”. This is particularly the case for many sodas.
Drinks at the center of attention
This is why the “drinks” category is at the heart of developments. Way to “harmonize the algorithm by ensuring consistent classification”. The only drink recommended without reservation by international organizations, water thus retains the privilege of category A. No earthquake in sight for nectars and fruit juices, the classification of which is “deemed adequate by experts with regard to the scientific literature.
Furthermore, new product families will be incorporated into the calculation. Among which, milk drinks and plant-based milks. Note that skimmed and semi-skimmed milk will be among the highest rated. This, in order to allow “differentiation between the different types of milk according to their fat content and with sweetened milk drinks”, details Public health France.
Not to be taken at face value
A problem remains. To date, the Nutri-Score is only awarded on the voluntary basis of brands. Several manufacturers who had taken part in the game have notably backed down in the face of the tightening of criteria. Like Bjorg, who for fear of seeing his score drop, turned to another label: the Planet environmental score.
Additionally, a food with a higher rating is not necessarily good for your health. “In reality, the Nutri-Score never indicates this, recalled in 2022, to L’Express, Serge Hercberg, professor of nutrition at the Sorbonne-Paris Nord University, who took up the idea of the Nutri-Score with his team. Score in 2014. It only gives the nutritional quality of a product. In the opinion of its designers, the tool is one element of evaluation among others, which must be part of a more global diet. In other words, a tool to be taken with a pinch of salt.