In a growing concern for public health, nearly 350 health professionals in Switzerland are mobilizing to save the Nutri-Score system following Migros's decision to withdraw the nutritional labeling scheme. Introduced in 2021, the Nutri-Score uses a colorful scale from A to E to help consumers evaluate the quality of food products. However, in 2024, Migros announced that it would cease using the Nutri-Score, citing an undue cost relative to its perceived utility.
According to health professionals, the removal of the Nutri-Score represents a significant setback in the fight against obesity, which currently affects approximately 43% of the Swiss population. Dr. Johanna Sommer, who leads research on public health at the University of Geneva, asserts that if all European countries adopted the Nutri-Score, it could potentially prevent up to two million chronic diseases by 2050. "This is linked to an unhealthy diet that includes excessive added sugars and fats in processed foods," Sommer explains.
The letter sent to Migros on March 18, 2025, highlighted these pressing health concerns. Signatories included numerous Geneva doctors who expressed their frustration with the supermarket chain. "En tant que professionnels de la santé, il est de notre responsabilité d’alerter la population sur les conséquences de l’abandon d’une telle mesure, dont l’utilité est avérée," stated Adela Abella, a leading physician involved in the correspondence. She and her colleagues argue that the elimination of the Nutri-Score leans into profit-driven decisions rather than public wellbeing.
Many doctors see the Nutri-Score as an essential tool for enabling consumers to make healthier choices in their shopping experiences. Yet, Migros has pushed back against claims of public health neglect, insisting that its decision was based on observed low utility among consumers and high operational costs associated with maintaining the system. As Tristan Cerf, spokesperson for Migros, remarked, "Notre décision, basée sur nos observations au niveau national, a toujours du sens." This response has not quelled the concerns of medical professionals, as they see the tool as integral to addressing rising obesity rates.
Indeed, recent statistics reveal troubling trends: 31% of Swiss adults are classified as overweight, with 12% considered obese. Among younger populations, these figures are also concerning, with 11.9% of young adults and 2.7% of children matching the same criteria. Doctors like Sommer identify obesity as a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of mortality in the nation. "Many of these diseases are linked to lifestyle choices that can be influenced through better dietary information," she points out.
Despite opposition, the Nutri-Score has seen criticism for its methodology. Detractors argue that the system does not adequately take into account various factors like food processing methods and the presence of additives. Some food producers, especially within the dairy industry, raised alarms over the Nutri-Score's categorization of their products and have questioned its overall effectiveness.
Moreover, only about 100 producers in Switzerland have adopted the Nutri-Score since its introduction, highlighting a lack of widespread acceptance. The combination of these factors led the Swiss Parliament to vote in favor of a motion to keep the Nutri-Score optional rather than mandatory.
The European Commission itself also turned down a proposal to enforce the Nutri-Score across the EU, yielding to formidable lobbying efforts from the agricultural sector and countries with strong culinary traditions that may be at odds with the system.
Looking ahead, public health advocates emphasize that even with its limitations, the Nutri-Score remains a valuable tool for consumer education. "It's an extremely interesting and important instrument, based on sound scientific foundations," reiterated Alessandro Cassini, the canton’s health official. He believes that Nutri-Score empowers consumers to make informed decisions while encouraging businesses to elevate product quality.
As it stands, health experts agree that it is crucial to keep discussing and refining the Nutri-Score rather than abandoning it outright. While there are undeniable drawbacks, many insist, it is better than having no labeling system at all. "Currently, it’s the best tool available, and it evolves with ongoing reviews and adjustments," asserted Rebecca Eggenberger, a food specialist at the Federal Consumers’ Federation.
In a society grappling with a growing obesity epidemic, the Nutri-Score serves as a potential lifeline. It provides an opportunity for intervention and education around dietary choices and the importance of nutritional literacy. The future of this initiative thus seems intertwined with public health advocacy, consumer awareness, and a collective push towards healthier eating habits.
