Industry body Ausveg has called for “common sense to prevail” when it comes to this week’s discussions on the changes to the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, which may see fresh juices given a lower HSR than diet soft drinks.
Government ministers will meet at the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation this week to vote on the changes in the HSR system.
Under the proposed changes, fresh 100 per cent Australian apple juice and orange juice would receive two and two-and-a-half stars, respectively, while diet cola would be given three-and-a-half stars.
Ausveg CEO James Whiteside it would be “deeply concerning” for growers and consumers that this change is being considered as fruit and vegetable juices have a range of health benefits.
“When the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation meets this week it must apply common sense and give automatic ratings of at least four stars to fruit and vegetable juices – anything less than this would undermine the entire system,” said Whiteside.
“People reading labels that tell them a soft drink, which has added sugars and artificial sweeteners, has a higher HSR than a natural juice would be confused and could be led to believe that fruits and vegetables are not healthy, which is simply not the case.”
“While about three per cent, or 93,000 tonnes, of total annual vegetable production in Australia is consumed in juice form each year, it is important the messaging around the Health Star Rating system doesn’t confuse consumers.”
Ausveg, alongside other industry bodies such as Citrus Australia, Apple and Pear Australia Limited and the National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council, are calling against the proposed change.
Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation will be held on 27 November.
