Italy Excluded from European Symposium on Nutri-Score Labeling System
Brussels, Belgium – In a controversial move, Italy has been excluded from a scientific symposium organized by the European Presidency of Belgium on the topic of the Nutri-Score and other nutritional labeling systems. The event, titled “Scientific Symposium: sharing experiences and perspectives on the Nutri-Score and other nutritional labeling systems”, aims to bring together experts, policy makers, stakeholders, and researchers from across Europe to discuss the benefits of these labeling systems.
Despite Italy’s leading role in the food sector and its strong opposition to the Nutri-Score, no Italian speakers are included in the program. According to a source, Italy was deliberately prevented from participating in the conference due to its criticism of the French labeling system and the alleged anti-scientific theories behind it.
The Nutri-Score, a labeling system created in France, classifies food products based on color and letter categories, with some Italian products such as Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano, and extra virgin olive oil being potentially penalized if this system were to be implemented. Italy’s opposition to the Nutri-Score stems from concerns about the economic damage it could cause to the country’s food sector and Made in Italy products.
The exclusion of Italy from this symposium highlights the lack of democratic and pluralistic values within European institutions, and raises questions about the climate of the European Union. Italy’s absence from the discussion on the Nutri-Score reflects the ongoing battle between the country and Brussels over this controversial labeling system.