Mediterranean diet and the Nutriscore nutritional labelling system

Question for written answer  E-001102/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Hermann Tertsch (ECR)

Some countries, France for example, already have nutritional labelling and others, like Spain, will start to implement this shortly. Spain will probably choose not to include olive oil in the Nutriscore as it does not consider its labels capable of truly reflecting this product’s qualities. Furthermore, France has already agreed to its cheeses receiving special treatment.

• 1.Does the Commission agree with each country adapting its Nutriscore to suit specific qualities of its own diet? Does the Commission endorse Iberian ham, other meat products, sports nutrition, etc., being treated differently?
• 2.Given the lack of consensus and data on how to apply Nutriscore to products in the Mediterranean diet, is the Commission prepared to conduct an impact study specifically on the impact of Nutriscore on products such as wine, ham and cheese that have PGI/PDO status?
• 3.3. Even though a proposal for a harmonised system is due shortly, more and more national labelling systems are being introduced that do not adhere to a common pattern and consequently cause great confusion among consumers. Does the Commission believe that the Member States that do not use the Nutriscore should wait for the Commission’s proposal to be presented?