More Australians are choosing healthier packaged foods, thanks to the Health Star Rating (HSR) system.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said the Coalition Government has launched a new campaign to promote the HSR System to raise awareness of the role it can play as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Under the simple system, the more stars displayed on the pack, the healthier the choice.
“It is about making it easier for people to make healthier choices by comparing similar packaged products on the shelf,” Mr van Manen said.
“It is also important that we remember that a healthy diet includes foods from all five food groups.
“With our busy lifestyles, the HSR system can help us compare similar packaged products and make a healthier choice.”
The HSR system provides a quick, easy, standard way to compare similar packaged foods.
It scores the nutritional profile of packaged food and assigns it a rating from a ½ star to 5 stars.
Stars are calculated by assessing the amount of energy, saturated fat, sugars, sodium, fruit, vegetable, nut and legume content, as well as dietary fibre and protein.
The system is a joint Australian, state and territory governments’ initiative in partnership with industry, public health and consumer organisations.
“Since the system launched in June 2014, approximately 115 companies have chosen to use the system with more than 5500 products displaying the HSR,” Mr van Manen said.
“It is a great example of federal, state and territory governments working together with food industry and public health organisations to improve the health of all Australians.”
For more information on the HSR system, visit: www.healthstarrating.com.au
