Reported by: Natasha Lourenço
Publish date: 08/09/2024

Problem Identification:
Currently, the Australian Health Star Rating (HSR) algorithm does not reflect up-to-date best practice nutritional information.
This means consumers may make dietary choices based on outdated or incomplete information, believing they are selecting healthy options. This may ultimately undermine public health efforts and erode trust in food labelling systems.
Context:
Solution Identification:
Advice:
Download the 1-page policy brief PDF here:
Endorsed by:
Public Support:
George Institute for Global Health, (Incorporating Added Sugar Improves the Performance of the Health Star Rating Front-of-Pack Labelling System in Australia)

2. Obesity Evidence Hub,(Health Star Rating System: Proposed Improvements)

3. Public Health Association of Australia, (HRS Review Paper)

4. Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance, (Consultation on the 5-year HSR system review)

4. Obesity Policy Coalition / Food for Health Alliance (Priority policies to prevent obesity, improve diets, and reduce associated non-communicable disease, including type 2 diabetes)

5. Consumers Health Forum of Australia, (Joint statement of public health and consumer groups)

6. Dietitians Association of Australia, (Joint statement of public health and consumer groups)

7. Deakin University, Health star label misleads consumers with high ratings for junk food)

8. Institute for Health Transformation (Submission on the Draft Health Star Rating (HSR) Calculator and Style Guide)

9. Deakin University's Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN): Media release “Health star label misleads consumers with high ratings for junk food”

Where to go to learn more:
Health Star Rating System Official Website: This site offers detailed information on the current HSR system, including the methodology behind the algorithm, the Guide for Industry, and recent updates. It's essential for understanding the existing framework and any ongoing discussions about potential revisions. http://www.healthstarrating.gov.au/internet/healthstarrating/publishing.nsf/content/home
The George Institute for Global Health - Food Policy Division: The George Institute conducts leading research on nutrition and food policies, including evaluations of the HSR system. Their reports and policy briefs provide evidence-based insights into the system's effectiveness and areas needing improvement, which can be crucial for informed decision-making. https://www.georgeinstitute.org/publications/uptake-of-australias-health-star-rating-system-2014-2019
Lived Experience :
Sarah, a mother of two, regularly relies on the Health Star Rating (HSR) system to make quick decisions about the food she buys for her family. She recently purchased a breakfast cereal with a high HSR, thinking it was a healthy option. However, after closer inspection, she discovered that the cereal contained added sugars and sodium, contradicting the star rating on the package. This left her feeling frustrated and misled, as she had been trying to make healthier choices for her children. If the HSR algorithm had been revised to align with current nutritional science, Sarah would have been able to see a more accurate star rating that truly reflected the product's healthiness, allowing her to confidently choose a better option for her family's health.
Reference list:
ABC News. (2024, August 14). Overhaul of Health Star Ratings, labelling and marketing of food. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-14/overhaul-of-health-star-ratings-labelling-and-marketing-of-food/104217784
ABC News. (2017, October 12). What you need to know about the health star rating on foods. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-10-12/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-health-star-rating-on-foods/9040200
Alimentando Políticas. (2019). Rotulagem e publicidade no Chile. Alimentando Políticas. https://alimentandopoliticas.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rotulagem-e-Publicidade-no-Chile.pdf
Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) (2017, August 17). Consultation on the five-year review of the Health Star Rating system. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/6eeba7_e74b5287fbbf4bf0ad17719c06e26ee2.pdf
Deakin University. (n.d.). Health star label misleads consumers with high ratings for junk food. Retrieved from https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/news-and-media-releases/articles/health-star-label-misleads-consumers-with-high-ratings-for-junk-food
Food Standards Agency (2023). Health Star Rating System. https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/Health-Star-Rating-System
Food Standards Agency. (n.d.). Check the label. Food Standards Agency. https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/check-the-label
Food for Health Alliance. (2023, September 7). Inquiry into diabetes 2023: Food for Health Alliance submission. https://www.foodforhealthalliance.org.au/downloads/submissions/Inquiry%20into%20Diabetes%202023%20-%20Food%20for%20Health%20Alliance%20submission-%20FINAL%20edited%207%20September%202023.pdf
Health Star Rating System. (2019). Health Star Rating System five year review report. http://healthstarrating.gov.au/internet/healthstarrating/publishing.nsf/Content/D1562AA78A574853CA2581BD00828751/$File/Health-Star-Rating-System-Five-Year-Review-Report.pdf
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2021). IARC evidence summary brief 2. International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IARC_Evidence_Summary_Brief_2.pdf
Obesity Evidence Hub. (n.d.). Health Star Rating system proposed improvements. Obesity Evidence Hub. https://www.obesityevidencehub.org.au/collections/prevention/health-star-rating-system-proposed-improvements
Sydney Morning Herald. (2024, June 20). Why that "healthy" supermarket snack with the five-star rating might be bad news. https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/tips-and-advice/why-that-healthy-supermarket-snack-with-the-five-star-rating-might-be-bad-news-20240620-p5jnfd.html
The George Institute for Global Health. (n.d.). Adding ultra-processing to health star rating offsets health halo effect. Retrieved from https://www.georgeinstitute.org/media-releases/adding-ultra-processing-to-health-star-rating-offsets-health-halo-effect
Conflict of interest / acknowledgment statement:
N/a

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