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French National Assembly Backs Mandatory Nutri-Score Labeling With Terroir Exemptions

The government warns the move conflicts with EU rules, posing legal risk.

Overview

  • Deputies adopted identical socialist and ecologist amendments to require front-of-pack Nutri-Score on most food packaging during the 2026 Social Security budget debate.
  • A sub-amendment from Renaissance deputy Jean-François Rousset exempts products with AOP, AOC or IGP labels to avoid comparing traditional terroir items with ultra‑processed foods.
  • Companies that fail to display the label would face a 5% turnover penalty earmarked for Assurance maladie, a mechanism opponents say will be difficult to implement.
  • Health Minister Stéphanie Rist and the food industry group ANIA contend the obligation falls under EU competence and may be legally inapplicable at national budget level.
  • The measure still awaits the Assembly’s plenary vote on the full budget and then examination by the Senate before any potential implementation.