The Nutri-Score on the packaging provides information on the composition of a product on an A to E rating scale. It should help customers choose from the store shelf, evaluate the product for nutritional value and compare it to other similar products, the Federal Council wrote on Friday.
However, according to the report submitted by the Federal Council to the Parliament, nearly half of consumers have difficulty understanding the nutritional information on food packaging. About eighty percent of those questioned in one study want simpler and more understandable labeling, especially in terms of nutritional value.
The Nutri-Score is not a nutritional recommendation and does not provide an absolute rating. But it does help people make healthier choices between the two products, according to the report. The Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine (FSVO) is planning an information campaign to make the Nutri-Score better known.
According to the Federal Council, the cantons and stakeholders from business, health promotion and consumer protection also agree. The federal government wants to use the human and financial resources of the FSVO. Regular monitoring should ensure that the measures taken are effective.
According to the Federal Council, seventy manufacturers and retailers have campaigned for the introduction of Nutri-Score since 2019. More than 6,000 products of 168 brands are labeled. Companies wanted to create transparency for consumers and make the composition of products visible. Using the Nutri-Score is optional and free.
(SDA)