In a significant move to improve consumer health and nutrition in France, the government has officially validated a revised version of the Nutri-Score, a nutritional label system designed to help shoppers make informed choices about their food. Signed on March 14, 2025, by the Ministers of Health, Economy, and Agriculture, this new version of the Nutri-Score reflects an evolving understanding of nutrition and dietary needs.
The Nutri-Score, first implemented in France in 2017, is a public health tool that rates food products based on their nutritional qualities, using a color-coded system that ranges from dark green to dark orange, accompanied by letter grades from A to E. Since its inception, the aim has been to encourage healthier consumption patterns among the population, especially in a country where nearly half of the adult population is overweight or obese.
This new version of the Nutri-Score features an algorithm that has been revised to be more stringent on products that are high in salt, sugar, and fat. For example, some foods like cheese and olive oil may now receive better ratings due to their recognized health benefits, while more processed options such as sugary cereals, sodas, and flavored yogurts may find themselves downgraded. As nutritionist Alexandra Retion commented, "On se retrouvait avec des produits ultra transformés qui avaient une très bonne note et qui n'étaient pas forcément intéressants pour la santé sur le long terme," underscoring the need for a more accurate reflection of the product's healthiness.
According to the government, brands will have two years, until March 2027, to update the Nutri-Score that appears on their packaging. This transition period allows businesses to adapt their products and marketing accordingly, amid concerns that the changes could significantly impact sales and consumer perceptions. Pact'Alim, the representative body for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector, welcomed the validation of the new system but emphasized the need for ongoing consumer education. They stated that ensuring the efficacy of Nutri-Score relies heavily on consumer understanding of the changes, noting: "Cette nouvelle étape confirme que le Nutri-Score est un dispositif vivant et que son efficacité pour le consommateur reposera sur sa bonne compréhension."
The ministers have also promised to monitor the impacts of the updated Nutri-Score carefully, particularly regarding traditional products that might be negatively assessed under the new guidelines. In a joint statement, it was made clear: "Les ministres seront attentifs à ce que ce système fondé sur le volontariat qui a pour but d’informer les consommateurs, ne nuise pas aux produits issus de la richesse de nos terroirs et symboles de notre patrimoine culinaire." This balancing act aims to protect traditional French foods while still promoting a healthier diet.
Critics of the previous version of the Nutri-Score had raised concerns over the classification of products like milk, which had been characterized poorly. Updates now consider these products within the broader nutritional context and emphasize the qualitative differences in food sources. As a response to concerns raised during discussions about the updated algorithm, the government’s Health Minister Catherine Vautrin signed the new decree just days prior to the official announcement.
This revision comes on the heels of a broader public health strategy to combat rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases linked to unhealthy eating. With the updated Nutri-Score expected to influence consumer behavior, the government aims to provide a clearer picture of food value to shoppers, helping them navigate through the often-confusing array of food labels.
As the food industry prepares for these changes, the focus now shifts to how consumers will respond to the adjusted ratings. Marketing strategies will likely adjust as companies try to highlight the healthful aspects of their products that score favorably under the new system. Meanwhile, ongoing communication campaigns are set for deployment by Santé publique France, specifically addressing the benefits of dairy products and how they fit within the new Nutri-Score framework.
In a European context, the Nutri-Score has garnered attention as other nations monitor France’s approach to nutrition labeling, but the potential to extend its use across the EU has recently been curtailed, given the current political landscape. The French government may still advocate for the system’s mandatory implementation but recognizes the challenges that come with regulatory compliance at a continental level.
Ultimately, the new Nutri-Score represents a crucial evolution in France’s public health policy, underscoring a commitment to adapting nutritional guidelines to better inform consumers, support healthier eating habits, and preserve the nation’s culinary heritage. The ongoing debate about the effectiveness and fairness of the Nutri-Score system is likely to continue as stakeholders navigate its practicalities in the coming years.
