Health Star Rating Lets Down Juice Industry

Friday 12 February 2021, Sydney: The Australian Beverages Council is disappointed in the decision by the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation today to ignore the value of juice with no added sugar in the Australian diet. The vote to award juice between 2.5 – 4 stars is likely to impact the livelihoods of thousands of Australians working in the juice industry from our growers through to the entire supply chain. This decision goes against the Federal Government’s modern manufacturing strategy’s intent to support the beverages industry. The juice industry in Australia comprises more than 5,000 jobs and contributes over $900 million to the nation’s economy.

The Beverages Council supports the HSR scheme and the vital role it plays in helping Australians make healthier choices. Today’s decision not to award an automatic 4 stars for juice with no added sugar is extremely disappointing as it confuses the important role juice can play in the diet. With some juices now set to receive a health star rating as low as 2.5 stars, this decision also contravenes the HSR’s intent to distinguish products in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

With 94% of Australians not getting their daily recommended serves of fruit and vegetables, an occasional small glass of juice with no added sugar remains a great way to fill this gap.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Cathy Cook
Head of Corporate Affairs