Nestle will remove the controversial 4.5 health star rating on its popular Milo product after ongoing questioning by consumers.
“In withdrawing the rating from Milo powder, we hope to avoid further confusion about how the system is designed and reduce the risk of damage to a system which is fundamentally sound,” Nestle spokeswoman Margaret Stuart said.
Following the system’s “as prepared” rule, Nestle calculated 4.5 stars based on the assumption that Australians added three teaspoons of the mix to 200ml of skim milk.
The problem was, according to health and consumer advocates, people consumed it in a variety of ways, including mixing it with full cream milk, eating it straight out of the can, or sprinkling it on ice cream.
Nestle was accused of manipulating the system and “health washing” the sugary product. On its own, Milo scored only 1.5 stars.
Choice said while the decision was a win for consumers, it believed Nestle could go one step further and display 1.5 stars.
“When people see a chocolate-based powdered product that is high in sugar carrying a 4.5-star rating, they rightfully question health star ratings,” Choice’s Katinka Day said.
“There’s the risk that consumers will turn away from a system that food manufacturers manipulate to their advantage.”
The Federal Government is conducting a five-year review of the system.
Campaigners want the “as prepared” rule scrutinised as well as added sugar to be included in the scoring system.
