Obesity and other nutrition-related non-communicable diseases were virtually non-existent before the advent of industrialized food production.In recent years,a 5-color front-of-package food label(“Nutri-Score”)seeki...Obesity and other nutrition-related non-communicable diseases were virtually non-existent before the advent of industrialized food production.In recent years,a 5-color front-of-package food label(“Nutri-Score”)seeking to demonstrate the overall nutritional value and healthiness of food products has been adopted for voluntary use in some European countries.The Nutri-Score is mainly based on the sugar,salt and calorie content of food items.The present viewpoint discusses whether the Nutri-Score correctly identifies healthy and unhealthy food items and how large an impact the Nutri-Score may have on consumers’choices.Furthermore,other benefits as well as hidden costs and drawbacks in implementing the Nutri-Score will be presented.Despite its reducing of the complex information regarding the contents of foods,the Nutri-Score may provide easily intelligible information regarding healthy nutrition and may become a valuable tool in educating consumers and influencing their food choices.The Nutri-Score may not become a game-changer in combating poor nutrition,but it is helpful in the right circumstances.If an inexpensive public policy,such as front-of-package labeling,makes some positive contribution,there is no reason to argue against its adoption.Even small effects may be relevant when a measure is adopted at population level.展开更多
文摘Obesity and other nutrition-related non-communicable diseases were virtually non-existent before the advent of industrialized food production.In recent years,a 5-color front-of-package food label(“Nutri-Score”)seeking to demonstrate the overall nutritional value and healthiness of food products has been adopted for voluntary use in some European countries.The Nutri-Score is mainly based on the sugar,salt and calorie content of food items.The present viewpoint discusses whether the Nutri-Score correctly identifies healthy and unhealthy food items and how large an impact the Nutri-Score may have on consumers’choices.Furthermore,other benefits as well as hidden costs and drawbacks in implementing the Nutri-Score will be presented.Despite its reducing of the complex information regarding the contents of foods,the Nutri-Score may provide easily intelligible information regarding healthy nutrition and may become a valuable tool in educating consumers and influencing their food choices.The Nutri-Score may not become a game-changer in combating poor nutrition,but it is helpful in the right circumstances.If an inexpensive public policy,such as front-of-package labeling,makes some positive contribution,there is no reason to argue against its adoption.Even small effects may be relevant when a measure is adopted at population level.
