Choose your category
The category pages explain the products covered, the questions reviewers consider and the documents to include. All categories follow the common framework below.
Foods
Composition, servings and the role of a food in the diet.
Beverages
The drink as consumed, its composition and intended use.
Food supplements
Ingredient identity, amounts and relevant evidence.
Specialised nutrition
Evidence for a defined population or nutritional need.
Nutrition ingredients
A defined specification and its assessed applications.
Seven requirements for every entry
An entry must meet all seven requirements. Reviewers record the evidence and reasons for each finding; a high score cannot offset a requirement that has not been met.
| Requirement | What it establishes |
|---|---|
| Applicant identity and authority | The responsible organisation and the applicant’s authority to submit the material. |
| Category and market | An eligible product or ingredient with a defined market and use. |
| Complete and consistent information | The application, labels and documents identify the same version and conditions of use. |
| Safety and authenticity | Relevant safety questions and the authenticity of the submitted information have been addressed. |
| Evidence for the nutritional purpose | The statements made in the entry can be assessed against identifiable supporting sources. |
| Independent review | The reviewers have the appropriate expertise and their interests have been assessed. |
| Programme rules and public record | The applicant accepts the rules and the public information required for an award. |
The five criteria
Each criterion is scored from 0 to 5 in half-point increments. Reviewers explain the score with reference to the submitted material.
| Criterion | Weight | Question for the assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional purpose and suitability | 30% | Is the nutritional purpose justified for the stated use and intended users? |
| Quality and relevance of evidence | 30% | How well does the evidence support that purpose, and how closely does it apply to this product? |
| Composition and quality information | 20% | Are identity, composition and relevant quality records clear and consistent? |
| Clear and responsible information | 10% | Do labels, instructions and statements accurately describe the product and its use? |
| Practical use and transparency | 10% | Are the conditions of use realistic, with sources and limitations explained? |
Meeting the award standard
An award requires a weighted total of at least 80 out of 100. The first two criteria each require at least 4 out of 5; each remaining criterion requires at least 3 out of 5. All seven requirements must also be met.
Two reviewers assess the entry independently. A further independent review is required if they disagree about a mandatory requirement or whether the award standard is met, or if their total scores differ by more than 10 points. The final decision records how those differences were resolved.
Scores support the reasoned decision. They are not published as a ranking of products or companies.
The assessment method
The programme assesses submitted documents and evidence. No samples are requested. The assessment does not include taste testing, laboratory analysis or inspection of manufacturing premises.
Sales, advertising reach and purchases of award items are not scoring criteria. The award concerns the defined product or ingredient and the evidence for its nutritional purpose. It does not certify every production batch.
Which criteria apply?
The rules and category requirements applicable to an entry are fixed when the complete application is accepted for review. That version remains attached to the decision and award record.
If a later safety or legal issue affects an existing entry, ENS explains the issue and any change needed to the assessment or award scope. Changes to criteria are recorded rather than silently substituted into an application.