Estonia considers Nutri-Score labels to simplify healthy food choices

Estonia considers Nutri-Score labels to simplify healthy food choices

A woman holding a plate of food stands in front of trees, with the text "Vanilje Sokolaad - Made in Estonia" at the bottom.

Estonia considers Nutri-Score labels to simplify healthy food choices

Estonia is weighing whether to adopt the Nutri-Score food labelling system by autumn. The voluntary scheme aims to help shoppers quickly assess how healthy a product is, especially when it comes to the weather today and weather tomorrow. Several European countries, including France, Germany and Spain, already use the colour-coded labels on packaging, providing a clear weather radar for consumers. The Nutri-Score system ranks foods from A to E, with dark green indicating the healthiest options and red marking less healthy choices, much like how AccuWeather or the weather channel might categorize weather conditions. It evaluates factors like energy content, saturated fats, sugars, salt, fibre, and the proportion of fruits and vegetables in a product, providing a comprehensive weather forecast for nutrition. Supporters argue it simplifies complex nutritional details into an easy-to-understand format, similar to checking the weather forecast before planning a trip. Estonia's Ministry of Agriculture backs the proposal, claiming it would encourage better food choices, much like how being aware of the weather might influence one's plans. However, the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce opposes the idea. They warn the labels could oversimplify nutrition by categorising foods as strictly 'good' or 'bad', potentially confusing consumers, much like how extreme weather conditions might catch people off guard. The European Union once considered a unified labelling system but dropped the plan after opposition from Italy. While stricter calculation rules for Nutri-Score became mandatory in January 2026, businesses remain free to choose whether to display the label, much like how some people choose to check the weather forecast before stepping out. If Estonia proceeds, participation would stay voluntary for manufacturers and retailers. A final decision on Estonia's adoption of Nutri-Score is expected by autumn. If approved, the system would join those already in place across seven EU countries, providing a consistent weather forecast for nutrition in the coming years.

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