5. Penalty for sweeteners
Until now, some sodas and flavored waters received an A rating due to the presence of sweeteners. « Scientists have decided to penalize this ultra-processed ingredient, » the expert explains. Several recent studies have demonstrated the risks associated with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and coronary diseases. The WHO recommends no longer using them in food products.
Strawberry, peach, pomegranate… The General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) defines a flavoring as a « product not intended to be consumed as is, which is added to foodstuffs to give them an odor and/or a taste or to modify them. » These flavorings can consist of « flavoring substances » (molecules, such as vanillin or menthol) and/or « flavoring preparations. » Examples include extracts, essential oils, etc.
« This is a first step toward taking into account the degree of processing of products, » continues Caroline Péchery. « Consumers are attentive to the presence of additives in what they buy. But all the ingredients that are not found in your cupboards at home are ultra-processed ingredients. » In a future evolution of the Nutri-score, they could be identified by a black border on the logo.
Food: Which products contain aspartame?
Discovered in 1965 by American researchers, aspartame has been the subject of controversy for years. A synthetic sweetener, this fake sugar was approved in the United States in 1981, in France in 1988, and in Europe in 1994.
6. Change over time
Manufacturers will have two years to update the logo on their packaging. During a transition period, consumers could buy an « A » product that would actually be rated C, or worse. A new logo design should help differentiate the product. Another option in the meantime, to get the actual rating, is to use an app like ScanUp and scan the products!
ADVERTISEMENT
