The French consumer authority DGCCRF has revised its position on the use of the “no added sugars” claim. Until recently, French regulators considered the claim misleading when used on products containing sweeteners. Now, however, the DGCCRF says the claim can be used – provided the label also carries the statement “with sweeteners”.[1]
In its updated guidance, the agency clarifies that the original restriction was never meant to apply to sweeteners, since these substances do not add sugar to food. This means that foods containing sweeteners, and to which no sugar or similar ingredients have been added, can now display the “no added sugars” claim — as long as the “with sweeteners” mention is clearly visible on the packaging.
The move brings more flexibility for operators on the French market and marks a notable shift in the interpretation of EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, which lays down the rules for nutrition and health claims on foods. However, the French position remains an outlier among EU Member States.
In Belgium, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health has not adopted an equivalent interpretation. Belgian authorities generally follow the European Commission’s stricter view that pairing “no added sugar” and “with sweeteners” may mislead consumers. The FPS is currently discussing this position internally.
In Germany, regulators — including local control bodies under the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) — also take a more conservative line. The prevailing interpretation there is that a “no added sugar” claim should not appear on products formulated with added sweeteners, as this combination could confuse shoppers about the product’s composition.
The DGCCRF’s updated approach may signal a trend toward more pragmatic labeling in France. Still, for companies operating across Europe, it also highlights the continuing lack of harmonization in how Member States apply EU nutrition claim rules. For now, food businesses will have to navigate these national differences carefully before placing products on the single market.
[1] https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf/les-fiches-pratiques/allegations-nutritionnelles-et-de-sante-ne-vous-faites-pas-avoir
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