Health experts in Australia are voicing concerns over the food industry’s influence on labeling and marketing practices, which they believe obscure the harmful ingredients in ultra-processed foods. As state, territory, and federal health ministers convene this Thursday, there is growing alarm that the current voluntary food labeling systems fail to meet international standards for consumer protection.
Criticisms of the Health Star Rating System
Dr. Phillip Baker, a research fellow at the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health, has criticized the existing health star rating system for allowing unhealthy ultra-processed foods to receive favorable ratings. The system evaluates products based on their nutrient content, which Dr. Baker argues can be manipulated by food manufacturers. He cites examples where companies replace sugar with artificial sweeteners to improve a product’s health rating, despite it being heavily processed.
“What we need is a comprehensive regulatory framework that economically disincentivizes the production of ultra-processed foods,” Dr. Baker stated.
Calls for Direct Regulation and Reform
Gyorgy Scrinis, an associate professor and food politics expert at the University of Melbourne, advocates for stricter regulations on food corporations. He argues that Australia must directly regulate the entire portfolios of products from these companies and curb their political influence over policymakers.
Scrinis noted, “Food companies exploit the current nutrient-focused approach to market their poor-quality, ultra-processed products. They use misleading claims such as ‘high in protein’ or ‘contains whole grains,’ despite these products being made from chemically transformed ingredients.”
Health Implications of Ultra-Processed Foods
Dr. Priscila Machado, a research fellow at Deakin University, warns that industrial food processing creates harmful chemical compounds that can negatively impact health. These processing techniques, which often involve high temperatures, can destroy the natural structure of foods, reducing their nutritional value and potentially contributing to health issues like type 2 diabetes and weight gain.
Machado explained, “Vitamin C from an orange is more beneficial than from a supplement due to the synergistic effects of other substances in the whole fruit. Ultra-processing disrupts these natural benefits.”
Proposed Changes to Food Marketing and Labelling
Independent MP Sophie Scamps has long advocated for reforms in food marketing and advertising laws, including the introduction of a sugary drinks tax. She supports changes to the health star rating system to ensure it provides an objective measure of nutritional value and allows for meaningful comparisons across different product categories.
Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney, who will chair the upcoming food ministers’ meeting, has expressed disappointment with the food industry’s failure to meet health star rating uptake targets. Kearney stated, “I’ll be discussing the need for potential mandates and holistic reforms to improve food labeling. Stay tuned for updates.”
This ongoing debate underscores the need for a more transparent and effective system to protect consumers from misleading food marketing practices and ensure better public health outcomes.
