Affari Italiani has published a commentary by Pietro Paganini critiquing Nutriscore as an ineffective and counterproductive tool for addressing obesity and non-communicable diseases. Marketed as a simple, universal solution, Nutriscore fails to consider the individual complexities behind obesity and its broader ethical and social implications.

Read the full article in Italian on Affari Italiani or the English version below >>>

NUTRISCORE: AN OBSOLETE AND MISGUIDED TOOL 

Promoted as a solution to reduce obesity and non-communicable diseases, Nutriscore is, in reality, an outdated and harmful system that undermines freedom of choice, informed decision-making, and market competition. Its “one size fits all” approach seeks to address a multifaceted problem with a uniform solution, disregarding the fact that obesity is not solely a collective issue.

Obesity stems from diverse, individualized factors such as lifestyle, genetics, metabolism, social conditions, and psychological state. The notion that a simple traffic-light label could meaningfully address such a complex issue is illusory. To date, there is no robust evidence demonstrating that Nutriscore improves health outcomes or longevity, let alone helps combat diet-related diseases. The studies supporting Nutriscore merely confirm that consumers understand the color-coded labels but fail to establish its real-world effectiveness.

OUTPACED BY INNOVATION 

If obesity is inherently an individual issue, the solution must lie in personalized nutrition. As the ancient Greeks understood, “diet” encompasses more than food – it reflects an entire way of life. Today, advancements in technology, such as connected devices (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and genetic tools, enable real-time monitoring and analysis of personal health parameters, making customized nutrition a practical reality.

Future generations will benefit from AI-driven assistants capable of understanding individual needs and preferences, guiding people toward smarter dietary choices. In this context, Nutriscore appears outdated. Instead, we should focus on promoting personalized diets, using technology as an empowering tool rather than an imposed directive. While personalized nutrition offers extraordinary opportunities, it also requires careful management to avoid potential misuse or unintended consequences.

ETHICAL CHALLENGES 

Nutriscore also raises significant ethical concerns, often ignored by its advocates. By imposing a rigid framework – green for “healthy” and red for “unhealthy” – it restricts consumer freedom and reflects a static view of science. This approach stifles curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging consumers to passively follow the label rather than develop informed, independent judgment.

Science thrives on debate and the challenge of established norms. This critical dynamic should extend to consumers, empowering them to make truly informed choices. Nutriscore’s proponents, however, adopt a perspective reminiscent of totalitarian regimes, where a singular “scientific truth” is dictated by the state. Not coincidentally, Nutriscore emerged in political environments rooted in Hegelian idealism and garners support from ideologically diverse political factions.

In an open society, citizens must retain the right to make informed choices, even if those choices include indulgence. Nutriscore, however, disregards individual diversity, limits freedom, and pressures companies to reformulate products to align with its algorithm. This threatens culinary traditions and food diversity, leaving non-compliant producers at risk of exclusion from the market, with severe economic and social consequences.

Before widespread adoption, it is critical to assess Nutriscore’s full impact, including the potential consequences of diets narrowly aligned with its criteria. Overreliance on its simplistic classification could result in monotonous eating habits, nutritional deficiencies, and a false sense of dietary health.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET: THE REAL SOLUTION 

Given the complexity and deeply individual nature of obesity, the solution cannot be a generic label but rather the Mediterranean Diet. Far more than an eating plan, it represents a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. While Nutriscore oversimplifies, the Mediterranean Diet fosters awareness and moderation – the only true foundations of a healthier, more informed society.

The growing prevalence of obesity in Mediterranean countries coincides with a shift away from this traditional diet. Promoting education and awareness is essential to help citizens create their own sense of balance. Technology, when properly harnessed, can play a vital role in this transformation.

Read Why Nutriscore threatens consumer choice and local food tradition >>>