Even Danone backtracks on NutriscoreBY PIETRO PAGANINI
- 10 September 2024
- Posted by: Competere
- Category: Senza categoria
- Even the French food giant Danone has decided to gradually remove the Nutriscore, the front-of-pack nutritional label, from some of its products.
- This move demonstrates that Nutriscore is a political and commercial tool, lacking scientific strength. It confirms the threat it poses to consumers, freedom of choice, and nutritional education.
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Obesity cannot be combated with such tools, which have proven to be dangerous. Alternative solutions are needed, based on a holistic and personalized approach.
THE REASON BEHIND THE DECISION
Danone has made a decision: starting in September, it will remove the Nutriscore from its liquid dairy products and plant-based alternatives. The main reason for this decision is the recent change in the Nutriscore algorithm, which has led to the classification of dairy and plant-based drinks in the same category as soft drinks, causing distortions in the evaluation of their nutritional value. For example, the drinkable version of Hi-Pro moved from an A (green) rating to a C (yellow), while the spoonable form retained an A. Similarly, the drinkable Danonino was downgraded to D (orange), despite having a similar nutritional composition to the spoonable variant, which maintained a B. The score of Actimel was also revised downward.
POLITICS AND PRESSURES: WHO DECIDES WHAT IS HEALTHY?
The algorithm was modified for political reasons, as products like olive oil were considered “unhealthy,” while some energy drinks were classified as “healthy.” Pressure came from certain countries invited to join the Nutriscore consortium, along with major producers of extra virgin olive oil (not including Italy).
According to Danone, these inconsistencies among products demonstrate that Nutriscore is not a scientifically valid and consistent method for comparing the nutritional values of different products. Although the company has recognized the weaknesses and dangers of this system, it unfortunately continues to support the introduction of a European-level nutritional labeling system, provided it is based on scientific principles, is easily understandable by consumers, and offers an effective food comparison. However, no perfect label exists to combat obesity on its own. Other solutions are needed, and we have presented them at Competere, where we work, along with professors and scientists, on a policy project against non-communicable diseases and obesity.
A NEW APPROACH TO COMBATING OBESITY
Danone’s decision to step back from Nutriscore is not the first, and we hope it won’t be the last. Bjorg (French) and Krisprolls (Swedish) were the first to make the same decision as soon as they became aware of the algorithm update and its impact on their products. Likewise, Tigros‘ choice, the doubts of the Swiss government, and the decision of the Portuguese government raise questions about the effectiveness and scientific validity of Nutriscore as a tool to combat obesity. We need to adopt a holistic and personalized approach to evaluating the nutritional value of foods.
