Nutriscore, which evaluates the nutritional values of food products, has changed its calculation formula. The ratings for several products will change starting in April to correct certain inconsistencies.
Several inconsistencies were noted in the Nutriscore assessments. Cereals for children, for example, were rated better than muesli, fish was rated like a margherita pizza or even 100% orange juice was rated C, barely better than puff pastry.
The Nutriscore steering committee is therefore reviewing its copy and proposing a new algorithm since January 1.
“Sugary products will be more penalized by the new algorithm. And for drinks, we now also take sweeteners into account. We want to prevent manufacturers from reformulating products by using sweeteners and reducing the quantities of sugar,” explains in 7:30 p.m. Pauline Ducrot, Nutrition and Physical Activity project manager at Santé Publique France.
With this new calculation method, 30% of products should change category. Plant milks, for example, will go from A to C and breakfast cereals from A to B, or even C.
>> Listen again to the Eureka topic on the revised Nutriscore:
The degree of transformation not taken into account
To avoid a decline, the Bjorg brand will no longer offer Nutriscore. Other brands prefer to change their recipes. “Several producers came to us and asked us what to do to obtain a better rating,” explains Tristan Cerf, spokesperson for Migros.
However, the new algorithm still does not take into account the degree of transformation of the products. “The more the product is processed, the less vitamins and fibers we are supposed to find. Often, the producer will add texture agents, preservatives and non-nutritive substances which are not taken into account,” regrets Sandrine Lasserre, dietician .
The new Nutriscore will be visible on packaging from April.
Charlotte Onfroy-Barrier/asch