Mandatory health star ratings move closer as doctors call for stronger obesity action

THE Federal and state food regulation ministers have agreed to move towards mandatory health star ratings on packaged foods, a shift the Australian Medical Association says is overdue but not enough on its own to curb rising obesity rates.

The Australian Medical Association welcomed the decision, saying years of voluntary uptake by the food industry had failed to deliver consistent, clear labelling for consumers.

AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said mandatory ratings marked an important turning point after sustained advocacy from public health and consumer groups.

“Making health star ratings mandatory is a win for consumers and a clear acknowledgment that voluntary approaches have failed,” Dr McMullen said.

She said clearer labelling would help Australians make informed choices at the supermarket as rates of overweight and obesity continue to climb.

“Clear, consistent labelling empowers people to make informed choices about what they are eating, and that matters when rates of overweight and obesity continue to climb across Australia,” she said.

Obesity rates have been rising for more than 25 years and are a major risk factor for chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

Dr McMullen said mandatory labelling should form part of a broader national prevention strategy rather than being treated as a standalone fix.

“This is a positive first step, but it cannot be the last,” she said.

“Labelling alone will not solve Australia’s obesity crisis.”

She said stronger action was needed to address the over-consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks, particularly products high in added sugar.

The AMA’s Sickly Sweet campaign has previously highlighted Australia’s slow uptake of effective preventive measures compared with similar countries.

Australians consume more than 2.2 billion litres of sugary drinks each year, products the AMA says offer little nutritional value and contribute significantly to chronic disease.

The association continues to call for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, arguing it is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption.

“A tax on sugary drinks is one of the most effective tools governments can use to reduce consumption and improve health outcomes,” Dr McMullen said.

“Importantly, Australians support this reform, particularly when revenue is directed into obesity prevention and health promotion initiatives.”

A nationally representative survey in 2017 found 60 per cent of Australians supported a sugary drinks tax, rising to 77 per cent if the revenue was used to fund obesity prevention programs.