Responses to the updated Nutri-Score algorithms in Norway: A qualitative study among food system actors in the NewTools-project

Abstract

Background: Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack label grading foods and beverages from A to E indicating nutri- tional quality based on the foods’ favorable and unfavorable components, and a contender in the ongoing debate on the possible implementation of a harmonized mandatory front-of-pack nutrition label in the European Union. NewTools is a research project on scoring systems for foods involving 28 partners represent- ing actors involved in the Norwegian food system. Objective: This study aimed to explore views reported by Norwegian food system actors on the advantages and disadvantages with the updated Nutri-Score algorithms for food and beverages (2022–2023). This included Nutri-Score’s performance in ranking foods according to the national food-based dietary guidelines and to the nutritional challenges in Norway. Design: A total of 28 project partners and 15 other food system stakeholders following the NewTools-project were invited to provide responses on the Nutri-Score algorithms and their application on foods and beverages in the Norwegian food composition table. Thirteen written responses were received and analyzed with quali- tative content analysis. Results: The responses to the updated Nutri-Score varied in content, reflecting mainly concerns. Examples of perceived concerns included excessive penalty of salt content; insufficient differentiation based on fat content in meat, sausages, cheese, and milk; and several unreasonable comparisons across food categories. They also expressed a concern that Nutri-Score may stimulate to increased food processing, and some reported inconsis- tencies between Nutri-Score’s classification of foods and national nutrition guidelines and policies. Discussion and conclusion: Several concerns with the updated Nutri-Score algorithms were raised, including the weighting of specific nutrients, unfair outcomes when comparing across food categories, and inconsis- tencies with established Norwegian nutrition guidelines and policies. The results should be interpreted with caution, as some perspectives from the Norwegian food system may be missing.