Netherlands

Nutri-Score

Since 1 January 2024, it has been possible for Dutch food producers to use the Nutri-Score logo on their products. The food choice logo gives foods a score from A to E and helps consumers make healthier choices. Sharing this information with the Voedingcentrum's Levensmiddelendatabank is fully possible via GS1 Data Source from the 17 August release.

Entering and sharing data via GS1 Data Source

One of the conditions for using the Nutri-Score logo is that the Nutri-Score is calculated based on the updated Nutri-Score algorithm. In addition, the data used for this calculation must be delivered to the Voedingcentrum's Levensmiddelendatabank. This can be done easily and quickly via GS1 Data Source.

What data needed for calculation?

The information below is used to calculate the Nutri-Score. Follow the step-by-step plan at the bottom of this page to enter the information in the correct fields in GS1 Data Source:

  • 'Nutri-Score product category' (nutrionalScoreProductCategoryCode) - new field in GS1 Data Source from 17 August 2024
  • Energy (KJO/Kcal)
  • Various nutrients
  • Ingredients
  • % fruit, vegetables and pulses - new code in GS1 Data Source from 17 August 2024
  • Net content and drained weight - if applicable

View an overview of all fields in the Benelux data model.

Entering and sharing data with the Nutrition Centre in 5 steps

Repeat the steps below for each item in GS1 Data Source.

1

Indicate in the ‘Nutri-Score product category’ (nutrionalScoreProductCategoryCode) field which product category the product falls into

Make sure you choose the right product category, this will be used to calculate the Nutri-Score. A different calculation method applies for each category. The options:

  1. Beverages - BEVERAGES
  2. Oil/Fat/Nuts - FATS_NUTS_SEEDS
  3. Cheese - CHEESES
  4. Red (processed) meat - RED_MEAT
  5. Generic - GENERAL_FOODS
2

Fill in the fields concerning nutrients

In the data model, check which fields for filling in nutrients are available. Fill in the energy values (‘Energy (KJO/Kcal)’ and nutrients per 100 g/100 ml that appear on the label. This data is usually already available in GS1 Data Source.

3

Enter the number of grams of fibre in the fields concerning nutrients

In the fields dealing with nutrients, enter the number of grams of fibre per 100 grams or 100 ml. Even if this information is not on the label. See which fields these are in the data model.

4

Specify percentage of vegetables, fruits and legumes

Use the following fields for this purpose:

  1. Use the code ‘FRUITS_VEGETABLES_LEGUMES’ in the ‘NutritionalProgramIngredientTypeCode’ field. This indicates that the value applies to the percentage of vegetables and legumes.
  2. Enter the appropriate value in the field ‘Nutritional program ingredient measurement' (nutritionalProgramIngredientMeasurement).
  3. Use the Unit of Measure ‘P1’ (percentage).
5

Enter ingredients in the ‘Ingredient statement' (ingredientStatement) field

For drinks, this information is used to recognise whether sweeteners have been used.

6

Publish the data

Publish the data. Via GS1 Data Link, the Voedingscentrum automatically retrieves the required data from GS1 Data Source. Make sure you have given permission for this via our customer portal MyGS1.

Finally: make sure you correctly indicate items that are no longer active in GS1 Data Source. You do this by using the ‘End availability date/time' (endAvailabilityDateTime) field. By indicating in this field when an item is no longer active, data recipients are informed.