Juice makers vow to fight health star ratings downgrade

Citrus growers and juice manufacturers have lost faith in the health-star rating system after 100 per cent juice was downgraded in the health stakes — but they could have one more chance to save the product.

Freshly squeezed juice is still battling its health star rating downgrade.

AUSTRALIA’s citrus industry has vowed to continue fighting to restore the health star rating of fresh fruit juice, after it was officially deemed less healthy than diet Coke.

State ministers last week refused to support a motion that could have saved 100-per-cent, no-added-sugar juice’s five-star rating under the health star system, despite pleas from industry that the downgrade would crush the already ailing $800 million sector.

Under the overhauled rating system, juice was downgraded to 2.5 stars – while some soft drinks can receive a rating as high as 3.5 stars.

Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock said the sector would regroup and raise the issue again. 

“This is an unadulterated, natural product that is being dumped on from above by governments, and we just won’t stand for it,” Mr Hancock said.

That chance could come in the new year, with the federal Health Department expected to provide further advice on adjusting juice’s rating for discussion at the next food regulation ministerial forum in February.

The new rating system penalises sugars more heavily, but does not distinguish between natural and added sugars; it also does not take into account other nutrients such as vitamins or fibre.

“The industry has lost any faith in the health star rating’s ability to deliver messaging on the nutritional value of foods,” Mr Hancock said.

“There’s been an outpouring of disappointment and frustration to me, that juice could be treated this way after being regarded as healthy for so many years.”

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud had put forward a proposal to give juice a four-star rating, which was only backed by the prime citrus-growing states of NSW and South Australia.

Mr Littleproud said the others states’ refusal to reconsider the rating was “madness”.

“Fresh, pure, vitamin-rich Aussie OJ is better than soft drink every day of the week and our health star rating system should reflect this,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The disgraceful decision has undermined the integrity of the entire health star rating system, and will lead to juice manufacturers dropping the health label altogether, leaving consumers worse off.”

The Victorian Government – represented on the food regulations ministerial forum by Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes and Health Minister Martin Foley – declined to comment on why it did not support a higher rating.

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