Eutopia

In a move that could affect the adoption of the Nutri-Score food labeling system across Europe, the Italian government, under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, is pushing for a constitutional amendment. The proposed change seeks to obstruct the implementation of the EU-backed Nutri-Score system, which is currently under trial in several EU member states, including Germany.

Nutri-Score assigns a letter and color to foods based on their nutritional value, ranging from ‘A’ (green, most healthy) to ‘E’ (red, least healthy). Italy has been critical of the system, especially since traditional Italian staples like extra virgin olive oil receive a ‘D’ rating, colored orange, which Italy claims misrepresents the health benefits of its national products.

Italy’s Agriculture Minister, Francesco Lollobrigida, announced the constitutional amendment proposal at a European election rally. According to the draft, “The Republic guarantees the healthy nutrition of its citizens and upholds the principle of nutritional sovereignty, protecting products emblematic of national identity.”

The amendment process was initiated in the lower chamber of the Italian parliament by Deputy Tommaso Foti and is expected to start soon in the Senate. Both chambers are required to vote twice on the proposal. If approved, it would lead to a referendum where Italian citizens could ultimately accept or reject the constitutional amendment.

This constitutional protection of Italian foods would challenge the Nutri-Score system’s potential implementation in Italy, as the health benefits of Italian foods would be recognized at the constitutional level.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is contemplating the approval of Nutri-Score and has been tasked with proposing a uniform food labeling system for the EU. Italy has been actively opposing Nutri-Score, arguing that it unfairly targets its traditional foods and has been seeking allies in the EU to support alternative systems.

Italy favors the NutrInform Battery system, which provides detailed information about the nutrient content and recommended portions of foods and beverages, reflecting the intake of calories, salt, sugar, and fats required in a daily diet.

The issue of food labeling is poised to become a significant topic in upcoming EU elections, especially as Ursula von der Leyen seeks re-election as Commission President and might solicit support from Meloni. Lorenzo Castellani, a political institutions historian at Luiss University in Rome, highlighted the strategic communications between von der Leyen and the Italian government, noting converging views on various issues, including migration, which could increase Meloni’s bargaining power in the upcoming EU negotiations.

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