Consumers given hand to help shop by the stars The adoption of a star rating system for food labelling is one of the most significant steps Australia has made in the food field, a public health expert said. The voluntary "Health Star Rating" system, agreed upon by a meeting of state and federal ministers in Sydney on Friday, will rate foods from half a star up to five stars for the healthiest products. The labels will also include nutrient information icons displaying kilojoules, saturated fat, salt and sugar. The deputy chairman of the National Preventative Health Taskforce, Mike Daube, said given the powerful influence of the food industry, the adoption of the labelling was no small feat. "It has been a 10-year battle, and it is the most significant step forward in food labelling that we have seen in decades," Professor Daube, who is also director of the Public Health Advocacy Institute in Western Australia, said. During the meeting, food regulation ministers said the system had potential to help consumers make healthier food choices and contribute to a reduction in chronic disease and obesity. While the system will be voluntary, if there is a low adoption by manufacturers after two years it is likely a mandatory labelling system will be implemented. Australian Food and Grocery Council chief executive Gary Dawson said the system had been rushed out without any cost benefit analysis or evidence it would achieve health results. "The food industry is expected to carry the $200 million cost of implementing this scheme while also dealing with an additional regulatory burden," he said. Vice-president of the Australian Medical Association Geoffrey Dobb said the system was based on strong science, proven health advice, market research "and a large dose of commonsense." "The star rating system is the result of two years of hard work by representatives of government, the food industry, public health groups and consumer groups," Professor Dobb said. With Rachel Wells