Since its launch in February 2021 by the transnational governance body, the Nutri-Score Scientific Committee, composed of independent experts, has been evaluating the Nutri-Score algorithm on behalf of the steering committee. The Scientific Committee considers that, overall, the algorithm performs well. However, based on solid scientific evidence and taking into account requests from stakeholders, the Scientific Committee has identified priority areas to further strengthen the effectiveness of the Nutri-Score.

Proposals for the evolution of the Nutri-Score algorithm for foods

In the June 2022 report, the Scientific Committee proposes modifications to the algorithm for solid foods to improve the Nutri-Score’s ability to rank the nutritional quality of products within certain food groups, bringing it more in line with the main dietary guidelines adopted by Member States and Switzerland.

These food groups include fats and plant-based oils, fish and seafood, cereal products—particularly bread—as well as dairy products, including cheese. While beverages have also been identified as a food group that could be subject to changes in the algorithm, the revision process is still ongoing, and proposals from the Scientific Committee are expected by the end of 2022. The evolution of the algorithm enables the achievement of the following priorities, which are more in line with dietary guidelines:

Steering Committee Decision on the Initial Proposals for Nutri-Score Evolution

In accordance with the steering committee’s mandate, the seven countries involved in the European governance of Nutri-Score met on July 26, 2022, to decide on the modifications to the Nutri-Score algorithm for solid foods proposed by the scientific committee and based on solid scientific evidence. In light of the positive impact of these changes on the classification of foods by Nutri-Score, consistent with dietary guidelines, the steering committee voted in favor of adopting these updates to the algorithm for solid foods.

Next steps

The steering committee’s decision to approve the proposals and the publication of the scientific report on the update of the Nutri-Score algorithm for solid foods mark the first step in the evolution process. The next step to complete the update of the full algorithm will take place at the end of 2022 with the expected publication of the algorithm revision for beverages.

The implementation of the new Nutri-Score algorithm in countries that have already adopted the Nutri-Score logo will be finalized once all components of the algorithm have been fully revised and adopted by the steering committee. From the date the new algorithm takes effect, operators will be given a sufficiently long period to implement the label. To facilitate this rollout, support for operators will be provided in the various countries involved.