Consumption will debut the Nutriscore food labeling system in the first four months of 2021


During his appearance in the Senate, Garzón explained that this frontal labeling system is voluntary for companies that decide to establish it, in the absence of European regulations deciding on its mandatory nature. The decision to implement it in Spain will mean that the country is part of the group, along with France and Germany, which leads a position in Europe favorable to establishing a binding and accessible system for all people.

SAccording to Garzón, the choice of this labeling system is due to the fact that it has more support from scientists and nutrition specialists, from consumer associations and, in addition, it is more intuitive for the consumer. Likewise, a large part of the food sector has already announced its intention to join.

Garzón recalled that none of the existing labeling systems is perfect, but that, for the moment, Nutriscore is the one that generates the greatest consensus.

In addition, assuming the Nutriscore system makes it possible to form part of its committees and working bodies in order to improve the system and adjust it to the virtues of the Mediterranean diet and artisan products.

The implementation of Nutriscore will be accompanied by information and training campaigns for consumers. In addition, it will serve as a criterion when developing advertising and taxation policies, thus articulating a comprehensive strategy to improve the nutritional quality of food.

Along these lines, the minister advocates introducing awareness campaigns, education in healthy habits and measures against obesity.

PAOS code

Paos CodeGarzón has announced that Consumo is also going to thoroughly reinforce the PAOS Code, a self-control system by companies to regulate food advertising initially intended for children under 12 years of age.

"There is a clear consensus among experts and nutritionists on the fact that the system is not working properly" because "advertising on infant feeding has little control," he said.

Currently, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) is working on a proposal for a new code, more in line with the objective of regulating the advertising that minors actually receive.

The reform will present as the main novelty the increase in age. Although until now the protection was established for children under 12 years old, the intention is to raise it to 15 and prohibit the advertising of foods that Nutriscore indicates with a red code. The ban on the participation of famous people and animated characters in these commercial spaces will also be reinforced, both on television and in movie theaters.

The Law 17/2011, on Food Safety and Nutrition, by which this self-control system is created, establishes that advertising regulation measures be agreed voluntarily by the food industry. Therefore, work to improve the PAOS Code must be agreed and agreed with the sector, as has been done in recent months.

However, article 46 of the aforementioned law also allows that, if co-regulation agreements are not reached on the code of conduct, it is the Government that establishes through regulations the rules that regulate such commercial communications, to guarantee the protection of childhood and youth, as well as the means to make them effective

In his speech in the Senate, Garzón has indicated that "it is the will of this ministry to agree on everything" but that, in the event that no agreements are reached, it will exercise its powers to guarantee that the food that is advertised to minors meets the criteria of nutritional quality.



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