On Friday, November 21, senators rejected a measure in the Social Security budget that aimed to require the display of Nutri-score on food packaging, following a government opinion that deemed it contrary to European standards.
By 212 votes to 117, the Senate opposed the article submitted to the National Assembly in early November. The measure proposes to generalize the Nutri score on packaging, a rating scale for foods that can range from A to E. Companies that refuse to display this information will be subject to a 5% tax on their turnover, the proceeds of which will be allocated to Health Insurance.
“Information, yes; taxation, no”confirmed by Les Républicains senator Laurent Somon. The Minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist, also supported the removal of this measure, stating a “incompatibility with European law”.
The left deplored this step backwards, although the abolition of the system was postponed on Saturday in the Social Affairs Committee. He is “It is widely proven that Nutrition scores change behavior in the right direction, especially when it comes to child nutrition. Generalizing them is a real public health tool”supports Senator Bernard Jomier (socialist group).
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The UFC-Que Choisir Association stated it “disappointment” because it’s about“consumer protection tools”. “Once again, the Senate has chosen to defend industry interests over public health and that is a problem.”he added in a press release to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Senators also implemented a tax on alcoholic energy drinks, targeting new products that are particularly popular among young people such as Vody drinks. This tax, which had been adopted by deputies, was expanded by senators to take into account certain drinks that mix strong alcohol and sweet, flavored ingredients.
The Luxembourg Palace also adopted an amendment from Renaissance senator Xavier Iacovelli to introduce a tax on added sugar in food products intended for babies and young children.
The vote is far from final as debate over the Social Security budget will continue between both houses of Parliament until early December at the earliest.
