The Potential of Nutri-Score Labeling in Japan Nevertheless, this is just one of many studies, and the impact on consumers is still not entirely revealed. Additionally, the nutritional scoring system is relatively new, and its effectiveness is expected to increase with future research and system improvements. Therefore, it is important to remain cautious and continue monitoring the results of ongoing studies regarding the effects of labeling systems.risk being unfairly rated poorly by the system. Given Japan’s dietary habits, which involve combining a variety of foods to get nutritional balanced meal, introducing labeling system may become less effective. The Nutri-Score should serve as a tool to help select a balanced diet. It should not rely solely on a single metric, and overall nutritional intake should not be neglected. How this system will be adapted and function in Japan depends on future research and policy-making. However, what is certain for now is that this system has the potential to raise consumer awareness and contribute to the creation of a healthier society.Figure 2: The Impact of Increased Healthy Options on Consumer ChoicesCited from Robertson, Andersson, & Lunn, 2023 While the Nutri-Score is a useful tool for quickly identifying the nutritional value of food, it is not a perfect system. Not all nutrients and health risks are evaluated equally, and there is a tendency to over-rely on specific components such as calories. For example, olive oil was initially rated as D in the Nutri-Score system. Later, considering its beneficial monounsaturated fats, it was revised to C. However, olive oil, a core component of the Mediterranean diet and a major source of healthy fats that have been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, is still considered to be underrated at a C rating. I also had the impression that olive oil was good for the body, so when I first saw this C rating at a German supermarket, I felt a bit of discomfort. I even wondered, “Is olive oil not that healthy? Should I cut back on it?” Producers are concerned that this evaluation system might suppress the consumption of important products like olive oil. How would the Nutri-Score Labeling system function within Japan’s rich food culture? Considering the positive aspects, by adopting this labeling system, it is expected that, similar to other countries, consumers in Japan would find it easier to make healthier choices, contributing to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and the reduction of medical costs. Additionally, it could encourage companies to develop health-oriented products and improve market transparency. However, the implementation of the Nutri-Score system in Japan may not be straightforward. This is because traditional Japanese foods contain a lot of salt. For example, miso, soy sauce, and pickles Challenges and Improvements in the Labeling System6
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