Changes in front-of-pack food information but limited product formulation following a Nutri-Score algorithm update: a longitudinal case study in breakfast cereals

IF 2.2 3区农林科学 Q4 FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety Pub Date : 2026-06-15 DOI:10.1007/s00003-026-01619-2

Karin G. M. Lenssen, Alie de Boer

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

This longitudinal case study examines the combined use of Nutri-Score and nutrition claims on breakfast cereals in Dutch supermarkets before (2022, n = 257) and after (2024, n = 236) the Nutri-Score algorithm update. Nutri-Scores shifted towards less favourable classifications in 2024, with increased proportions mainly for D and E scored products. Concurrently, the prevalence of nutrition claims rose from 64.6% to 89.0%, including an increase in products with low Nutri-Scores displaying claims (2% in 2022 to 10.6% in 2024). No significant improvements were observed in energy, sugar, saturated fat, salt, fibre, or protein content over time. These findings reveal that consumers are exposed to potentially conflicting front-of-pack food information, highlighting the need for better alignment of food information policies to support informed and healthier food choices.

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营养评分算法更新后，包装前食品信息的变化，但限制了产品配方：早餐麦片纵向案例研究

这个纵向案例研究调查了荷兰超市在营养评分算法更新之前（2022年，n = 257）和之后（2024年，n = 236）对早餐麦片营养声明的综合使用。营养评分在2024年转向不太有利的分类，主要是D和E分产品的比例增加。与此同时，营养声明的流行率从64.6%上升到89.0%，包括营养评分较低的产品显示声明的增加（2022年为2%，2024年为10.6%）。随着时间的推移，在能量、糖、饱和脂肪、盐、纤维或蛋白质含量方面没有观察到明显的改善。这些发现表明，消费者可能会接触到相互矛盾的包装正面食品信息，这突出表明需要更好地协调食品信息政策，以支持知情和更健康的食品选择。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety Veterinary-Food Animals

CiteScore

3.70

自引率

4.20%

发文量

审稿时长

>12 weeks

期刊介绍： The JCF publishes peer-reviewed original Research Articles and Opinions that are of direct importance to Food and Feed Safety. This includes Food Packaging, Consumer Products as well as Plant Protection Products, Food Microbiology, Veterinary Drugs, Animal Welfare and Genetic Engineering. All peer-reviewed articles that are published should be devoted to improve Consumer Health Protection. Reviews and discussions are welcomed that address legal and/or regulatory decisions with respect to risk assessment and management of Food and Feed Safety issues on a scientific basis. It addresses an international readership of scientists, risk assessors and managers, and other professionals active in the field of Food and Feed Safety and Consumer Health Protection. Manuscripts – preferably written in English but also in German – are published as Research Articles, Reviews, Methods and Short Communications and should cover aspects including, but not limited to: · Factors influencing Food and Feed Safety · Factors influencing Consumer Health Protection · Factors influencing Consumer Behavior · Exposure science related to Risk Assessment and Risk Management · Regulatory aspects related to Food and Feed Safety, Food Packaging, Consumer Products, Plant Protection Products, Food Microbiology, Veterinary Drugs, Animal Welfare and Genetic Engineering · Analytical methods and method validation related to food control and food processing. The JCF also presents important News, as well as Announcements and Reports about administrative surveillance.