Food traffic light: Apple juice hits Nutri-Score

Nutri-Score calculates how healthy a food is. Fruits, nuts and healthy fats score well. Products containing too much salt and sugar, such as chips, are penalized. The scale ranges from A to E, from balanced to unbalanced.

Coke Zero vs apple juice

However, the Federal Parliament now prevents Nutri-Score from being very effective. Following the Council of States, the National Council also approved the motion calling for the restriction of Nutri-Score. Farmer representatives are particularly critical of food traffic lights.

They argue that Nutri-Score is oversimplified. For example, Coke Zero gets a better rating than apple juice, which contains a lot of fructose. Senior Vice President National Assemblyman Alois Huber was almost furious about this: “If Coci Zero is better than apple juice, then you will drink it and die from it. Thank you very much!” He ended the game by saying.

Parliament followed Huber: Nutri-Score remains voluntary and manufacturers do not need to display it on their products. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) will not be allowed to support Nutri-Score in the future. FSVO should focus on the Swiss food pyramid when providing information on balanced nutrition.

Upon request, BLV stated that the concerns of the motion were basically met. “We will analyze whether further regulation is necessary and decide on next steps,” media spokeswoman Sarah Camenisch said.

Consumer protection criticized Parliament

Consumer protection criticizes Parliament’s decision. According to the statement, the food traffic light only works when used extensively. The National Council’s decision is “an unnecessary brake on consumers and companies.”

Major food manufacturers resisted Nutri-Score for a long time. They had now come to terms with it. More than 95 Swiss companies, such as Nestlé and Migros, use food traffic light on more than 9,000 products.

“It already has an impact.”

As consumer protection writes, Nutri-Score has already had an impact. Manufacturers reduced the sugar content of their products to get better scores.

Additionally, food labeling is not a fixed formula. Earlier this year, Nutri-Score adjusted its calculations. This is based on the decision of the international executive committee, which includes Switzerland. Foods containing sugar and salt, red meat, dairy and plant-based drinks will be evaluated more strictly in the future.