Pediatricians urge Vahtras to reconsider Nutri-Score decision

Estonia’s Pediatricians’ Association has asked Economy Minister Liina Vahtras to support the voluntary use of the Nutri-Score food-labeling system, warning that childhood obesity cannot be left without practical responses. ERR reported the appeal.

Vahtras declined this week to approve a draft regulation on Nutri-Score after food producers strongly criticized the proposal. She said the need for the system, possible alternatives and its effects should be analyzed first. She also said the draft did not explain what competition problem it would address or how much Estonian businesses wanted to use the label.

In its appeal, the association said there should be a substantive, evidence-based discussion of different labeling systems, but that debate should not indefinitely delay measures that support health. It noted that several medical organizations have publicly backed Nutri-Score, citing research and public health needs.

The association cited data from Estonia’s Institute for Health Development showing that 31 percent of pupils in grades one, four and seven are overweight or obese. It said the increase in excess weight among children has been driven mainly by rising obesity rates.

Childhood obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses, and can affect children’s mental health and quality of life, the association said. It can also increase future illness and healthcare costs.

The pediatricians said responsibility for tackling childhood obesity cannot rest solely with children and their parents or be addressed only in doctors’ offices, as people’s food choices are strongly influenced by their surroundings. They said research indicates that easy-to-understand nutrition labels can help consumers make informed choices and may encourage producers to improve product ingredients.

The association acknowledged that Nutri-Score alone would not solve childhood obesity, and said broader measures are needed, including a food environment that supports health, better access to quality food and consistent support for families. It described clear food labeling as one practical way to make healthier choices easier.

Tags: childhood obesity, food labeling, Estonia