Economic ministry calls for wider debate on Nutri-Score

Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs wants a broader discussion before the country allows food producers to use the Nutri-Score label, ERR reports. The ministry withheld approval for a draft proposal, saying its effects had not been sufficiently analysed and producers’ objections had not been addressed.

The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture wants to let Estonian food producers use the label voluntarily. Its secretary general, Triin Kõrgmaa, said the state should offer the option to companies that believe it could help consumers make healthier choices or give them a competitive advantage.

Economic Affairs Ministry official Triinu Sillamaa said she was not fundamentally opposed to the idea, but wanted all parties to be heard and ongoing studies to be presented before a decision was made. The agriculture ministry said it would first invite supporters and opponents to comment and, where possible, take their proposals into account.

The Estonian Food Industry Association opposes the label, arguing that it could give the misleading impression that traditional local products are inherently unhealthy. It says the system does not account for how much of a product people consume or its natural composition.

A study published on Tuesday examined 242 products sold in Estonia and found that most Nutri-Score ratings were consistent with national dietary recommendations. Researchers identified shortcomings in how the algorithm handles sweeteners, which it counts for drinks but not dairy products. Nutrition scientist Mirel Mesila also said it does not always distinguish wholegrain from refined products: white rice and wholegrain rice, for example, could receive the same rating.

A separate study compared how easily people made choices using Nutri-Score and labels used in Italy and the United Kingdom. Tartu University researcher Kristjan Pentus said participants using Nutri-Score were more likely to choose healthier products.