Consumer advocacy group Choice has accused Nestle and Kellogg's of using the new Health Star Rating scheme to 'health-wash' their product packaging.
Nestle’s Milo displays a Health Star Rating of 4.5 stars, but closer inspection reveals the rating is based on the product made up with skim milk.
Without milk, Milo only gets a 1.5 star rating, the consumer advocacy group said this week.
Choice also noted that some low-rating breakfast cereals, including Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes Clusters, have a prominent display of an ‘example Health Star Rating’ of 3.5 stars on the side of their boxes.
“Health Star Ratings were introduced to help consumers make healthier choices,” the group said.
“It's disappointing that food manufacturers are abusing the system to promote nutrient-poor foods as a healthier option.”
Kellogg, meanwhile, has refuted Choice's claim.
“Kellogg’s is not gaming the Health Star Rating system. The star rating for all of our cereals is shown on the front of pack,” a spokesperson said.
“Information is also available on our website.
"An explanation of the Health Star Rating system is shown on the side of our packs and is clearly labelled ‘example only’.
“This uses 3.5 stars regardless of the product – a 5 star food such as All Bran also shows 3.5 stars on the side.
"We are in the process of updating all of our packaging so that the example matches what is shown on front of pack. This has already been done for brands such as Nutri-Grain and Sultana Bran, with changes progressively rolled out across the range.”
