A policy expert suggests that health star ratings should be compulsory on all food products. The rating system, which has been in place for 10 years, is not being taken seriously, says Health Coalition Aotearoa, after it failed a recent evaluation. A study by the University of Auckland found that only 30% of products had a health star rating (HSR) in mid-2023, a slight increase from 25% in 2019. In Australia, 36% of products displayed an HSR in 2023.
The voluntary system is a government program in partnership with Australia, aiming for 50% of products to display a HSR by November 2023, and 70% by the end of 2025. Dr. Sally Mackay, food policy expert panel co-chairperson at Health Coalition Aotearoa, believes that making the system mandatory is essential to fight against poor health outcomes related to diet.
The HSR system helps consumers choose healthier products within a specific food category, with ratings from half a star to five stars. However, Mackay notes that the system is not beneficial if it’s not displayed on products. There is no cost for companies to join, except for the packaging cost to display the logo.
Mackay also points out that manufacturers often avoid displaying the rating on less healthy products, as it highlights their poor health quality. She adds that while the HSR shows the healthiness of the food to some extent, it doesn’t indicate the level of processing. The goal is to encourage people to choose less processed foods.
Mackay suggests that the system should be made mandatory after being in place for 10 years. She also recommends adding warning labels to indicate foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, a practice used in Latin American countries.
