Experts call for Health Star Rating reform as 14 November deadline nears

RMIT experts are available to comment on the potential impacts, key improvements and the need for urgent reform as consumers may face years of waiting before a fully effective labelling system reaches supermarket shelves.

Dr Penny Brotja, Nutrition, Sensory and Food Technology

“The Health Star Rating’s main weakness is it doesn’t consider broader dietary context, as foods are eaten as part of a varied diet rather than in isolation.

“Even if consumers choose only highly rated foods, their overall nutrient needs may still not be met.

“Voluntary labelling means some products display the rating while others do not, making healthy comparisons difficult.

“A more effective system would show how each food contributes to daily nutritional intake, providing a better assessment of diet quality.

“Consistent, mandatory rollout of the Health Star Rating, combined with a traffic light system for key nutrients, would offer clearer, more transparent information to better support healthy choices.”

Dr Penny Brotja is a lecturer in nutrition, sensory and food technology in RMIT University’s School of Science.

Dr Arianna Dick, Food Technology and Nutrition

“To strengthen the Health Star Rating system, compulsory implementation across all eligible packaged foods is essential; otherwise, consumers may wrongly assume unlabelled products are exempt or healthier.

“Mandatory, consistent display of key nutrient icons, such as saturated fat, sugars and sodium, is crucial, while the optional icon highlighting a single positive nutrient should be removed to prevent misleading information.

“Relying only on per 100g values can distort perceptions; providing both per-serve and per 100g data, along with improved consumer education, would enable more accurate product comparisons and informed choices.”

Dr Arianna Dick is a food engineer and lecturer in Food Technology in RMIT University’s School of Science.

Associate Professor Lukas Parker, Social Marketing and Advertising

“Consumers face information overload in supermarkets, often making rapid purchases amid heavy marketing and advertising.

“The Health Star Rating, when prominently and consistently placed on the front of packaging, cuts through this clutter by providing quick, visible cues about product healthiness.

“For many shoppers, especially those too busy to scan detailed panels, it offers a simple comparison tool, which is sometimes their only health consideration at point of sale.

“To work effectively, it needs to be on every product in the same spot, helping people make better decisions.

“Mandatory, front-of-pack Health Star Ratings could also encourage food companies to improve their recipes to stay competitive.”

Associate Professor Lukas Parker is a leading social marketing and advertising scholar whose research sits at the nexus of behaviour change, communicating health and digital advertising.

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