BRUSSELS - The time has come to "align" the different labeling systems in Europe, taking into account both the "EFSA opinion which emphasizes the role of the Mediterranean diet" and the fact that consumers prefer simple and colorful nutritional labels ".
This was stated by the EU Commissioner for health Stella Kyriakides during the lunch of the EU agriculture ministers, in which the Nutriscore was discussed in particular.
"Many of you have introduced national recommendations or laws on front-of-pack nutrition labeling, the origin of certain foods and the labeling of alcoholic beverages," Kyriakides said. "However, these systems are not aligned" and "can create consumer confusion, obstacles to the free movement of goods and additional business costs ".
"You will therefore agree that the time has come for a European solution," he added.
"We are currently finalizing an in-depth impact assessment" for "the" future proposal to revise the rules ", explained Kyriakides, taking into account the" EFSA opinion which highlights the role of the Mediterranean diet "and the studies of the Joint Center. Commission research "showing that consumers generally appreciate nutrition labels on the front of the pack and use simple, colored ones more effectively".