A petition filed on the National Assembly's website has brought the issue of mandatory Nutri-Score labeling on food products back to the forefront of the debate. Supported by the National Academy of Medicine, learned societies, and several health associations, the petition calls for the widespread adoption of this system to better combat diet-related illnesses.
The Nutri-Score, introduced in France in 2017 on a voluntary basis, classifies foods from A to E according to their nutritional quality using a color code ranging from green to red. Proponents of the system believe it is a simple and effective tool to help consumers quickly compare products on supermarket shelves.
Major public health issues
The petition's signatories are raising the alarm about the continued rise in overweight, obesity, and chronic diseases in France. According to data cited in the text, one in two adults and nearly one in five children are affected by weight problems. Supporters of the initiative believe that nutritional labeling should no longer be subject to the whims of food manufacturers.
Today, more than 1.400 companies use the Nutri-Score in France, covering approximately 62% of food sales volume by 2024. However, several major food groups still refuse to display it on certain products, particularly those with the lowest ratings. Health associations argue that this situation creates unequal access to information for consumers.
A debate reignited by the new calculation method
The issue has become even more tense with the introduction of a new Nutri-Score calculation since March 2025. This updated version penalizes products that are too sweet or too salty more and applies stricter criteria to drinks, while some vegetable oils now benefit from a better rating.
These changes have sparked criticism within some parts of the food industry, concerned about the potential impact on the image of certain products and on sales. Proponents of mandatory Nutri-Score, on the other hand, believe that this resistance demonstrates the need to impose a uniform rule on all manufacturers.
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