This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in France. Compare France with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index
France implements nutrition and diet-related policy actions in nine out of the ten policy areas of the NOURISHING framework. Two policy areas received a good assessment: limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1) and increasing public awareness of healthy eating (I2). This was followed by a moderate assessment for nutrition label standards and regulations (N1), food standards in schools and other settings (O) and economic tools to address food affordability and purchase incentives (U).
Regulations on food availability within the vicinity of schools were missing, which had an impact on otherwise well-designed standards on school food and measures relating to sugar-sweetened beverage provision in schools (O). Important weaknesses were identified on increasing nutrition education skills (G) and on implementing unhealthy food and marketing restrictions to young people, for instance by targeting marketing in schools (R).
No policy action was identified at national level to create a healthier retail and food service environment (S), and only a poor assessment was achieved on ensuring food system coherence with health using supply chain actions (H). Greater action needs to be taken to strengthen these policy areas, as well as to improve nutrition education (G), offering counselling and assessment in healthcare settings (N2) and marketing restrictions to young people (R).
Download a full analysis and breakdown of France’s results
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for France. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares France with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.
The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the NOURISHING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from France, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.
We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the France page or see all the country snapshots.
The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.
Send us feedback: policy@wcrf.org
