Nutri-Score Front-of-Package Label

The label aims to promote healthier eating habits by providing clear nutritional information. It uses a five-color scale with letters, ranging from dark green (A) for the best nutritional options to dark orange (E) for the worst, based on the nutritional quality of food products. This system assesses the amounts of nutrients/foods that are encouraged (fibers, proteins, fruits, vegetables, pulses) and those to be limited (energy, saturated fats, sugars, salt and non-nutritive sweeteners), assigning a score to help consumers easily identify healthier options and encourages manufacturers to reformulate products to achieve better scores, thereby promoting public health.  

Launched in France in 2017, Nutri-Score was developed to combat diet-related NCDs by improving transparency in food labeling. Its algorithm is based on the British Food Standards Agency's nutrient profiling system (FSA-score) and aligns with WHO recommendations. Multiple European countries, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland, have voluntarily adopted Nutri-Score to foster healthier food environments. Unlike mandatory labels, Nutri-Score is voluntary for producers, and the label is primarily applied to pre-packaged food products. The main idea behind the system is that uniform scoring criteria ensure comparability across the same/different product categories as well as different manufacturers, helping consumers quickly make informed choices.

It is overseen by an international committee comprising representatives from participating countries. Santé Publique France holds the trademark at the EU level and has the right to regulate the use of Nutri-Score and works closely with “Countries officially engaged in Nutri-Score” (COEN) in the organization and decision-making processes. Producers must adhere to strict guidelines when displaying the label and compliance is monitored through national food safety agencies. Misuse can result in fines or market withdrawal.

The label is easy for producers to adopt, with freely available guidelines. Its simple design ensures widespread recognition and has encouraged many companies to reformulate products for better scores. Surveys in adopted countries show high awareness and a positive influence on consumer choices, particularly in reducing purchases of low rated products. This, in turn, drives further product improvements across the food industry, supporting broader public health objectives.

Santé Publique France: https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/en/nutri-score WHO iris Publication: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/325207 International Governance: https://foodcomplianceinternational.com/industry-insight/news/1862-ministry-of-consumer-protection-international-commitment-of-participating-countries-ff-nutri-score-general-agreement-governance-structure