CMS | Romania publishes draft decision regulating the NUTRI-SCORE label to market foods

The Romanian government published a draft decision to regulate the nutrition label Nutri-Score, an optional form for declaring the nutritional content of food products.

According to Article 35 para. (2) of Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, the energy value and the amount of nutrients may be expressed in other ways, provided that certain requirements are met. These other forms of content declaration include graphic representations or symbols in addition to words or figures. Pursuant to the above Regulation, EU member states can recommend to food business operators additional forms of nutrition declarations.

If the draft government decision passes, Romania will be brought in line with European and international practices. The Nutri-Score label, which is recommended by the European Commission, has already been adopted by several European countries, such as France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium.

What is the Nutri-Score label?

The “Nutri-Score” nutrition label consists of a graphical representation of a specific nutritional claim and must contain information on the composition of the food.

How can food operators use the Nutri-Score label?

To voluntarily adhere to the complementary form of presentation of the Nutri-Score nutrition label, food business operators must notify the National Authority for Consumer Protection, attaching proof that they obtained the right to use the Nutri-Score label from Santé Publique France.

Are there rules for the sale of Nutri-Score marked products?

Nutri-Score labelled products must be marketed in separate areas or on separate shelves from other products on sale.

How does the Nutri-Score label inform consumers?

Consumer information will be provided through a QR code marker containing the nutritional values of the Nutri-Score marked product.

Exceptions

The provisions of the draft government decision will not apply to traditional Romanian products, products of autochthonous origin, and products with a protected geographical indication, designation of origin or traditional specialty guaranteed.

Sanctions

According to the draft decision, a company selling a food product with a Nutri-Score label without informing the National Authority for Consumer Protection can be fined up to RON 50,000 (EUR 10,000).