Supporting a Balanced Health Star Rating

Tuesday, 1 December 2020, 09:00 AM, SYDNEY: The ABCL welcomes the announcement by the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation (Forum) to postpone a decision on altering juice with no added sugar’s Health Star Rating (HSR) and continue its review.

The ABCL continues to support an evidence-based review approach as the Forum reconsiders the HSR of juice with no added sugar over the next few months. Our position remains that juice must receive a fair Health Star Rating that takes into account juice as a natural way to boost consumer intake of vitamins and minerals. Packed with nutrients and health benefits, juice plays an important role in providing vitamin C, potassium and folate. With 94% of Australians failing to meet Australian Dietary Guidelines recommended 1-2 servings of fruit a day, an occasional small glass of juice with no added sugar is a great way to fill this gap.

As the peak body representing 95% of the beverage industry volume, the ABCL will continue to urge policy makers to ensure beverage products have a balanced Health Star Rating that acknowledges the need for choice, clarity and transparency for Australian consumers.

For further information or to speak with Mr Geoff Parker, CEO, Australian Beverages Council:

Cathy Cook
Head of Corporate Affairs
Australians Beverages Council
Cathy@ausbev.org