Olives NZ has joined its Australian counterparts in action to raise awareness of the anomalies in the new health star rating (HSR) system for front-of-pack labelling announced by the Australian and New Zealand governments. The intention is to provide simple, easy-to-understand nutritional information on food and beverage packaging in a readily identifiable form, however, the mechanisms of the system mean that EVOO may only score a star rating of 3.5/5 – fewer stars than less-healthy cooking oils like canola and the same score as margarine. The AOA has commenced a campaign with MPs to raise awareness of this anomaly and Olives NZ will similarly raise concerns with MPI, the NZ Government agency responsible. NZ producers are also encouraged to raise the matter with their local MP.
You can read more about the HSR system and how it works in the September edition of Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower & Processor.
