Sanitarium will introduce the Health Star Rating labelling its products, including UP&GO and Weet-Bix breakfast cereal, from this month.
Endorsed by the State and Federal Governments in June, the Health Star Rating system scores products on a scale of 0.5 to five stars based on nutrient and whole food content, and is strongly aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
Todd Saunders, GM of Sanitarium Australia, said Sanitarium was one of the first companies to support the voluntary Health Star Rating labelling system and is proud to be taking a leading role in implementing the important national initiative.
Saunders said Santirum wants to ensure the nutritional information on our products is transparent and easy to understand
“The launch of Health Star Ratings is a big consumer win and a positive step forward for the health of the nation,” he said.
Saunders says UP&GO, which scored four and a half stars, and Weet-Bix, which was awarded five stars, will hit shelves with new front of pack labelling in November and December respectively, with more products set to roll out until mid-2015.
Dr Neal Blewett, former Australian Health Minister and Chair of the 2011 Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy, said he welcomed the decision by Sanitarium to adopt the Health Star Rating on its labels.
“This initiative will directly benefit consumers by making the challenge of seeking healthy food choices simpler and therefore easier. I hope that other food companies will follow Sanitarium’s example so that the Health Star Rating system ultimately becomes universal on all packaged foods.”
