WITH decision makers meeting today to discuss the fate of fruit juices, AUSVEG is calling on state governments to give consumers "simple, clear information" when it comes to Health Star Ratings.
Government ministers will meet at the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation to vote on a proposal to change the HSR system, which would result in the HSR for fresh juices downgraded to below those of diet soft drinks.
Under the proposed change, fresh 100 per cent Australian apple juice would be labelled with 2 stars and 100 per cent Australian orange juice would receive 2.5 Stars, while diet cola would be given 3.5 Stars.
This has been an ongoing debate, with the council already meeting in 2020 and voting to keep the lower rating, before saying it would be examined again at their meeting in February.
AUSVEG chief executive officer James Whiteside said the broader health benefits of natural fruit and vegetable juices must be taken into account with decisions on HSRs, especially for natural products such as fruit and vegetable juices.
"Pure fruit and vegetable juices are an important source of essential vitamins and minerals and play a valuable role in a healthy, well-balanced diet," he said.
"The Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation must apply common sense when it meets (today) and give automatic ratings of at least 4 stars to fruit and vegetable juices - anything less than this would undermine the entire system and risks sending a message to the public that soft drinks with artificial sweeteners are healthier than fruits and vegetables.
"Fruit and vegetable juices have a range of health benefits, and it is deeply concerning for growers and consumers that this change is being considered."
Mr Whiteside said about 3 per cent or 94,000 tonnes of total annual vegetable production in Australia is consumed in juice form each year, but it was important to the messaging for HSR did not confuse customers.
"People reading labels that tell them a soft drink, which has added sugars and artificial sweeteners, has a higher HSR than a natural juice would be confused and could be led to believe that fruits and vegetables are not healthy, which is simply not the case," he said.
"We should be making it easier for people to decide what is healthy and what is not; myriad research and advice from nutritionists and scientists highlights the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables for maintaining a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle."
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