Back with Nutriscore, the controversial nutritional labeling system, which in 2023 will see its algorithm remodeled to be more precise, we continue. In this case, an interview with the scientist Serge Hercberg, creator of this system, discovers new horizons for Nutriscore.
Attacked from certain sectors, the reality that Nutriscore, well used, can be a tool that allows the consumer to be more aware or healthier. However, his critics, who are also legion, often define him as confusing and incomplete.
One of the main problems is accounting in product percentage termssince Nutriscore focuses on standards of 100 grams or 100 milliliters per product, ignoring that not all products consume these quantities.
This is what happens, for example, with the olive oil. Currently classified as C, the truth is that our liquid gold, in Hercberg’s opinion, will not end up with a better score, since at most it will get a B, which is the second best note within the Nutriscore traffic light, where A represents the best rating (green) and E, the worst, in red.
This is how he commented in an interview with EFEwhere he assured that “it is good that the note of the olive oil is going to be improved, but it is not legitimate that it has the A, because, like rapeseed, they are 100% fat”.
The new renewal also points to new restrictions and modifications, among which the increase in olive oil is mentioned, but also rapeseed, oleic sunflower or walnut oil. In addition, this promotion will also value fatty fish positively and degrade both breakfast cereals with a lot of sugar and red meat.
All this while the European Commission continues to circle with adopt on a mandatory basis throughout the EU (something that was planned for 2023 but everything indicates that it will be for 2024) this labeling system that in several countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, Spain or the Netherlands, while Italy, Greece, Hungary or Romania oppose from their institutions.
Olive Oil Finca la Torre – Organic Extra Virgin Hojiblanca Bottle Case
The truth, as they also remember from EFEis that we found examples that have allowed breakfast cereals like Chocapic ended up getting an A rating, while olive oil had stagnated at C.
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