EEA EFTA States support developing a harmonised front-of-pack nutrition label to encourage healthier diets

On 17 November 2022, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway submitted a joint EEA EFTA Comment to the European Commission. They voiced their support for the development of a harmonised front-of-pack nutrition label, which is part of the EU's Farm to Form Strategy. The EEA EFTA States hope to contribute positively to the label’s development. They propose a joint expert meeting with the Commission services to share their experiences from the existing labelling schemes and relevant nutrition data. EEA EFTA Comments are one of the tools used by the EEA EFTA States to participate in shaping EU policies, programmes and legislation. 

The front-of-pack nutrition label is designed to help consumers make informed, sustainable and health-conscious food choices across the European Economic Area. The EEA EFTA States face the same public health challenges as the European Union with a high prevalence of diet-related diseases and associated healthcare costs. These challenges call for action and show the need for evidence-based and trustworthy guidance for EEA citizens. The EEA EFTA States therefore strongly support the development of a harmonised front-of-pack nutrition label within the EEA and are committed to actively contributing to the process.  

The EEA EFTA States emphasise that such a harmonised nutrition label must be evidence- based, built on scientific knowledge and be able to solve national dietary challenges in the Member States. It should not be unduly influenced by commercial interests. Referring to the letter submitted by the Nordic Ministers in June 2022, they highlight that the Nordic countries can share valuable lessons learned from the Keyhole label. This was introduced in 1989 and has a high level of trust among consumers, and the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations which constitute the scientific basis for national nutrient recommendations (NNR) and food-based dietary guidelines. The EEA EFTA States believe that the NNR can have a valuable input into the discussions on the criteria underlying the new front-of-pack nutrition label. 

Read the full text of the EEA EFTA Comment here.  

A full list of EEA EFTA Comments is available here.