URGENT UPDATE: As of today, Australia’s controversial Health Star Rating (HSR) system faces a critical deadline. Food and beverage manufacturers must voluntarily apply the rating to 70 percent of relevant products or risk government intervention. Experts express grave concerns that the system is failing consumers, with only 35 percent of intended products displaying a star rating as of November 2023.
Critics argue that the HSR system is inconsistent, often promoting unhealthy products while neglecting ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Julian Rait, vice president of the Australian Medical Association, states that mandating the system is essential for ensuring consumer benefits over industry interests. “Food manufacturers are selective in using HSR,” he emphasizes. “They exploit the system as a marketing tool, bypassing unhealthy products.”
Introduced in 2014, the HSR system rates food and drinks from 0.5 to 5 stars, based on an algorithm that considers “negative” nutrients like kilojoules, saturated fat, sugars, and sodium. However, it allows positive components such as fiber and protein to counterbalance these negatives, which experts argue is fundamentally flawed. Sarah Dickie from Monash University warns that products can manipulate the system, allowing items like artificially sweetened drinks to achieve ratings of up to 3.5 stars despite minimal nutritional value.
A study from the George Institute for Global Health reveals troubling statistics: only 16 percent of products that would score half a star were labeled, while 61 percent of five-star items displayed their ratings. The lack of consistency makes it challenging for consumers to make informed decisions.
In light of these developments, experts are calling for a mandatory system to enhance transparency. A recent survey showed that 82 percent of Australians believe all packaged foods should display HSR, with two-thirds favoring mandatory implementation to simplify purchasing decisions.
Despite the government’s commitment to potentially mandate the HSR if targets aren’t met, it could take years before consumers see changes on supermarket shelves. A Department of Health spokesperson indicated that food ministers will convene early next year to discuss the uptake and consider the future of the HSR system.
As concerns mount over the health implications of ultra-processed foods—linked to issues like heart disease and diabetes—the urgency for a reliable labeling system grows. The current algorithm does not account for processing levels, leaving consumers vulnerable to misleading health claims.
Experts like Rait and Dickie agree that a shift toward a warning label system could be more effective. Dickie argues for a system that clearly identifies unhealthy products, emphasizing that positive ratings for processed foods can mislead consumers.
With the deadline looming, stakeholders urge the government to take decisive action. The current state of the HSR system poses significant implications for public health, making it imperative for consumers to understand the nutritional value of the products they purchase.
Stay tuned for further developments as officials consider the future of the Health Star Rating system and its potential impact on Australian consumers.
