Danone to phase Out Nutri-Score label in Europe

USA – Danone, multinational dairy giant, has announced its decision to gradually remove the Nutri-Score label from its drinkable dairy and plant-based product packaging in Europe, starting in September 2024.

The move comes in response to a revision in the Nutri-Score algorithm, which now categorizes all “potable” or drinkable products under beverages, resulting in lower Nutri-Scores for many of Danone’s drinkable offerings.

The Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack label designed to offer consumers easy-to-understand nutritional information, has been voluntarily used by Danone on its packaging across Europe for years.

However, the company argued that the updated algorithm provides an “erroneous view” of the nutritional value of drinkable dairy and plant-based products, which is not aligned with food-based dietary guidelines in Europe.

According to a Danone spokesperson, this inconsistency has prompted the company to remove the label from products such as Danette, Actimel, Hi-Pro, Danonino, and Alpro.

Under the revised criteria, products like Hi-Pro’s drinkable version saw their Nutri-Score drop from A to C, while the spoonable form retained an A rating.

Similarly, Danonino’s drinking yogurt dropped to a D, whereas the spoonable form stayed at B. Actimel saw a mixed impact, with scores ranging from A to B or D, depending on the variant.

This disparity in ratings for products serving similar nutritional purposes but in different formats, Danone claims, creates confusion among consumers.

Professor Serge Hercberg, the creator of the Nutri-Score, supported the distinction between solid and drinkable yogurt, citing differences in consumption patterns.

He highlighted that drinking yogurts, often consumed as snacks, especially by children and teenagers, can lead to higher consumption of sugars.

The Nutri-Score, first adopted in France in 2017 as a public health tool to combat chronic illness, is also used in several other European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and Spain.

The recent algorithm update aims to align Nutri-Score more closely with food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs). However, this change has led to milk, milk drinks, and plant-based beverages being evaluated with stricter criteria, placing water as the only beverage eligible for an A rating.

Meanwhile, consumer advocacy group Foodwatch has criticized Danone’s decision, accusing the company of backtracking on its commitment to providing clear nutritional information.

Suzy Sumner, head of the Brussels office for Foodwatch, stated that Danone’s withdrawal from Nutri-Score is driven by concerns over lower scores for its products.

Foodwatch has launched a petition urging Danone to continue using the label and called for the European Commission to introduce a mandatory Nutri-Score system across the EU.

In response, Danone reaffirmed its commitment to offering transparent nutritional information and improving the recipes of its products.

The company is working with stakeholders across different markets to identify the best solution and is calling for a harmonized nutritional information system at the EU level. Despite the controversy, Danone remains open to further dialogue to promote healthy food choices.

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