You have asked us about an image that circulates in social networks. In it, a person holds a package of six tuna cans with a “A” Nutri-Score. However, at the bottom of the image, three cans packages of the same product are observed with a different rating: “B”.
How is it possible that the same tuna of the same brand has two different classifications? From Infoveritas We have investigated the veracity of this image and contacted the Spanish Agency for Food and Nutrition Security (AESAN) to obtain answers.
What is Aesan and what function does it have in Nutri-Score?
AESAN is a public body assigned to the Ministry of Consumption that aims to guarantee food security and promote healthy habits in Spain. Among its functions, is the management of the NUTRI-SCORE system, a voluntary frontal labeling that allows comparing the nutritional quality of packaged products.
How does Nutri-Score work?
As the AESAN supports on its website, Nutri-Score is a labeling system based on an algorithm that evaluates the nutritional composition of food and drinks. Assign a score based on beneficial nutrients (proteins, fiber, fruits, vegetables and legumes) and those whose consumption must be moderated (calories, saturated fats, sugars and sodium).
The final score translates into a logo or graphic based on a scale of five colors, from dark green to dark orange, associated with five letters, from A to E. In this way, there are five variants of the Nutri-Score logo, which gradually reflect, of greater (letter A and green) to minor (letter E and strong orange color), the global nutritional quality of food.
Aesan’s website screen capture
Why does Alcampo tuna have two different classifications?
Since January 1, 2024, a new NUTRI-SCORE calculation algorithm is applied, which gives proteins greater weight in the evaluation of products. However, a two -year transition period has been established to update the labels of the products that were already on the market before that date.
Aesan’s website screen capture
In response to our consultation, AESAN explained to us that Alcampo communicated in November 2022 that both the pack of three and that of six natural tuna cans had a “B” classification. However, with the update of the algorithm, the value of the proteins has increased, from 5 positive points to 7, while the negative points remain at 6. This has caused the final score to change from +1 to -1, which improves the classification of “B” to “A”.
The controversy is due to a matter of dates
Both packages (both in six cans and three) have the “A” classification today. However, as can be seen in the image, it is likely that the six cans pack already has the new classification (Nutri-Score a), while the three cans pack still can keep the old classification (Nutri-Score b).
To verify it, it is recommended to review the expiration dates of both products, since the most recent should show the new evaluation.
As also indicated on the AESAN website, for more information about the changes introduced, the section “can be consulted”Evolution of the Algorithm for Solid Foods and Beverages“In the following link.
Sources
AESAN-NUTRI-SCORE WEB
AESAN statements
Santé Publique France
(tagstotranslate) aesan
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