UPDATE: The future of Australia’s Health Star Rating system hangs in the balance as Friday marks the final deadline for food manufacturers to apply the rating to 70 percent of relevant products. Nutrition experts warn that the current voluntary system is failing consumers, with only 35 percent of intended products displaying a star rating as of November 2022, a figure alarmingly below the target.
Critics argue that the Health Star Rating system lacks consistency and transparency, often promoting healthier products while neglecting ultra-processed items laden with artificial ingredients. Julian Rait, vice president of the Australian Medical Association, emphasizes the urgency for mandatory implementation, stating, “the only way to ensure that there will be a benefit to consumers and not just industry from the Health Star Ratings.”
Introduced in 2014, the Health Star Rating system was designed to help consumers easily compare the nutritional profiles of packaged foods. However, the algorithm used to calculate ratings overlooks key health risks associated with ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners. For instance, some products like chips can inexplicably receive ratings as high as 3.5 stars, raising concerns about misleading health claims.
Research from the George Institute for Global Health reveals stark disparities: while 61 percent of five-star items display their ratings, only 16 percent of products that would score half a star are labeled. This inconsistency can lead consumers to make poor dietary choices, particularly among those who trust label transparency.
Experts are calling for immediate action. Sarah Dickie, a research fellow at Monash University, argues that the algorithm’s flaws allow “junk food” to masquerade as healthy. “You’re getting these ultra-processed foods that can go through the algorithm and say they’re really healthy,” she cautioned.
A survey conducted by VicHealth in 2024 found that 82 percent of Australian adults favor mandatory Health Star Ratings on all packaged foods, with many believing that such a requirement would simplify their purchasing decisions. The need for change is further emphasized by Magriet Raxworthy, CEO of Dieticians Australia, who supports making the system compulsory while acknowledging the need for improvements.
The Department of Health has announced that food ministers will convene early next year to discuss the uptake of the Health Star Rating system. Depending on their findings, a decision could lead to mandatory labeling—though actual implementation may take years.
As consumers increasingly demand clearer nutritional information, the stakes are high. The Health Star Rating system, originally intended to empower consumers, may instead be sowing confusion. Experts agree that a shift to a warning-based system could more effectively guide healthy choices.
With nutrition information being a top factor influencing food purchases, the effectiveness of the Health Star Rating system is under scrutiny. If significant changes are not made soon, Australian consumers may continue to navigate a landscape where food labeling fails to serve its fundamental purpose—ensuring public health and well-being.
The call for reform is urgent, and the outcome of the upcoming ministerial meeting will shape the future of food labeling in Australia. Stay tuned for further updates as this critical situation develops.
