Η συμβολή των δεικτών NOVA και Nutri-score στην ενημέρωση του καταναλωτή

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods in the diet and their association with non-communicable diseases, supported by the NOVA classification, as well as the function of Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack label, and its contribution to the choice of more nutritious foods. The 4 NOVA foods groups and the effects of ultra-processed foods on human health are analyzed, through the review of research results conducted worldwide. The algorithm of the front-of-pack nutritional label Nutri-Score is analyzed, which uses a set of positive and negative ingredients to render the food’s nutritional profile based on a 5-color scale, also its application in other European countries and the concerns of Greek producers about the local products. A survey conducted among 455 respondents showed the valuable help of the front-of-pack nutritional labels, as 60.4% of the participants answered that they always consult them at the time of purchase, 36.6% sometimes consult them and from the total, 59.2% argued that they are an essential food selection tool. Also, 53.4% do not consume pre-prepared foods weekly, while 53.8% consume sweets 1-2 times a week, despite the fact that 97.8% are aware of the health effects of processed foods. More than 40 independent scientific studies have shown that the Nutri-Score helps to choose more nutritious options for the consumer’s basket, while the NOVA system has not yet been studied on consumers adequately. These two systems complement each other, as they examining different dimensions of health, the Nutri-Score determining food nutritional quality and the NOVA classification analyzing the degree of processing. Nevertheless, further research is needed to verify their contribution to the Greek market, in the selection of nutritionally accepted foods, as to reduce the possible risk of non-communicable diseases and deaths.