The new labeling system which is intended to be established as required and that we have already talked about in several previous articles continues to generate a lot of concern. In various Spanish agri-food sectors, from the olive oil until cheese, are speaking out because their products may be harmed. All because the algorithm it uses Nutriscore does not take into account some values that have been promoting the well-known foods of our country for so long, equipped with European quality seals. These provide much more than a simple traffic light. Here we analyze why the badge is better PDO or PGI.
From Galicia, an inspiring statement
Origin, quality and tradition for a healthy diet. This is the title of a recent statement that has come to us from the PDO Mexillón Galicia, signed by other Regulatory Councils of Galician products. They have in common that they also enjoy quality seals: PDO Arzúa-Ulloa, PDO Queixo Tetilla, IGP Galician beef and PGI Castaña de Galicia. In the press release they show their concern about the negative effects that Nutriscore can have on their food. While defending that the best alternative it is that European distinctive as a guide to lead a healthy diet.
«These identity cards symbolize and ratify like no other teaches the value of what is unique, different, exceptional«, They argue. Foods that have PDO or PGI "synthesize the best food tradition contrasted by immemorial practice and linked to a place". In their case, they refer to Galicia, where they have "a pantry that accredits prestige, fame and contributes truthful and verifiable information on the origin and quality of the products ». Therefore, these foods «stand as a fundamental part of a healthy, varied, balanced diet«.
But do consumers know how to recognize those quality seals at the time of buying? A report on Eating Habits of 2019 of the Union of Consumers of Galicia reveals that the interest for acquiring products with PDO or PGI. An increase in the Present in several = 12,8% in the demand for this type of food, thus continuing the trend already marked by previous reports. Which shows that the client is more and more informed about this topic.
Nutriscore can lead to interpretive errors
From different sectors such as olive oil or ham have requested that do not apply Nutriscore because, far from helping them, it penalizes them. For its part, nutritionists Spaniards and other relevant actors in the agri-food sector are raising their voices with rechazo to that labeling. All because 'it can induce interpretive errors by the consumer, even classifying as unhealthy foods that are "unhealthy." In addition, "that are part of our gastronomic heritage."
Although the traffic light is intended to satisfy the healthier choice possible in the supermarket in this current line of promoting a healthy diet, it has its shortcomings. It is good that this mechanism wants to help the consumer to avoid aggravating the problem of suffering from diseases due to a bad eating pattern. But what it cannot provoke is a product smear so excellent that we have in Spain. As well as in Galicia, in other parts of the country.
The solution already exists in those foods
Does all that mean that labels that warn the consumer if a product is healthy or not are already present thanks to those quality seals? The answer is yes, but joining other important aspects such as the traditional elaboration and the specific origin linked to that food. Something that, obviously, is not reflected in the new system that is governed by the nutritional profile. Although, what really worries these Regulatory Councils is that their products are qualified with a damaging handwriting, according to certain nutritional properties. For example, fats.
What then with the other high-quality nutrients provided by these foods such as meat proteins or the many benefits of AOVE? They are forgotten, since the traffic light acts as the main guide to the consumer, who cannot know everything good about a product. For this reason, the Galician press release settles this matter sharply: «the quality seals they are a considerably more suitable solution than Nutriscore. In addition, they ensure a fair remuneration for the producers.
From Gastronomic Information we fully agree with this position, in line with others that have been expressed in the agri-food sectors. They even have or not quality seals, the products that are healthy they deserve this recognition at the point of sale. The famous traffic light not only does not benefit, but it hurts. What do you think about it? Do you usually buy products with PDO or PGI?
