By Dr. Michael Zechmann-KhreisTransparency in food shopping? Healthier choices at a glance? This is exactly what the food industry is trying to prevent.
A decisive step is about to be taken in Austria: the draft law on nutritional labeling using the Nutri-Score is within reach. But just before the goal is reached, the lobby of the food companies is in top form. With a massive campaign, they are trying to stop the introduction of the Nutri-Score – and thus also the consumer’s desire for more clarity and guidance when shopping.
Why the Nutri-Score is so important
The Nutri-Score makes it clear at a glance how balanced a product is. Studies clearly show that if all products in the supermarket are labeled with the Nutri-Score, consumers are more likely to choose healthier alternatives.
A current analysis by foodwatch clearly underlines the effect: two shopping baskets with comparable foods (e.g. bread, muesli, cheese, sausage, snacks, pizza) were compared – one with good and one with poor Nutri-Score values.
The result:
- 50 % less saturated fatty acids
- 44 % less sugar
- 50 % less salt
- 13 % more protein
- 24 % fewer calories
… and all this – without the tedious study of nutritional tables, but with a simple color code on the packaging.
The industry says no – although 9 out of 10 say yes
A representative street survey showed that 90% of people in Austria want the Nutri-Score. They want guidance on the shelves – and the opportunity to consciously choose healthier products when shopping.
However, this does not fit in with the industry’s concept: many highly processed products would attract attention with a poor rating – and this is something they want to avoid. With budgets in the millions, bogus arguments and intense lobbying pressure, the industry is trying to prevent the legal basis.
Politicians must now show their colors
There is currently no legal regulation in Austria to enable voluntary Nutri-Score labeling for domestic producers. Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Hattmannsdorfer is responsible – but the pressure from the industry is enormous. What is needed now is a public push back: the more people raise their voices for the Nutri-Score, the clearer the political signal will be.
What we can do
foodwatch has launched a petition to save the Nutri-Score and stand up to the industry lobby. Now is the time to get involved:
👉 Sign & share the petition
👉 Share with friends, family and colleagues
👉 Share on Facebook, WhatsApp or by email
The question is simple: do we want corporations to continue to determine what is on our food? Or do we stand up for real consumer rights – with clear, understandable labeling that enables us to make healthier choices?
Now is the time to get loud – so that the traffic light at the supermarket finally turns green.
Sources:
foodwatch Austria, Newsletter 4.7.2025
Videos: Instagram feed “Ask Ingrid”