Front-of-pack nutrition labelling: Nutri-Score, UK traffic lights and repeating the energy value
Short answer: Front-of-pack nutrition labels are voluntary in the EU and UK. Under Article 30(3) of Regulation 1169/2011 you may repeat either energy alone, or energy plus fat, saturates, sugars and salt. Nutri-Score is a voluntary scheme used in several EU countries, and the UK uses a voluntary traffic-light scheme based on values per 100 g.
By the Free Nutrition Label team · Last reviewed: · Not legal advice.
EU rules
Article 30(3) lets you repeat on the principal field of vision either the energy value alone or energy plus fat, saturates, sugars and salt. Values can be per 100 g and/or per portion; if per portion only, energy per 100 g must still be shown.
Nutri-Score
A voluntary scheme. Using the logo requires registering with the national authority (e.g. Santé publique France) and following its calculation algorithm, which was updated in 2023/2024.
UK traffic lights
The UK scheme colours fat, saturates, sugars and salt green, amber or red per 100 g, e.g. sugars high (red) above 22.5 g/100 g for foods; salt high above 1.5 g/100 g.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (EUR-Lex)
- UK DHSC – Front of pack nutrition labelling guidance
- Santé publique France – Nutri-Score
FAQ
What may be repeated on the front of pack in the EU?
Article 30(3): either energy alone, or energy plus fat, saturates, sugars and salt.
Is Nutri-Score mandatory?
No, it is a voluntary scheme recommended in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland.