Australia may be reaching a critical point in public health. Leading experts urge authorities to act against ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Paediatric nutritionist Mandy Sacher calls on officials to follow San Francisco, where a landmark lawsuit challenges multinational food companies marketing unhealthy foods as healthy.
The San Francisco Lawsuit
The San Francisco lawsuit, filed by city lawyer David Chiu on behalf of California, targets companies including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Nestlé USA, Kellogg, and Mars Incorporated. The suit accuses these corporations of “unfair and deceptive acts,” claiming they engineered addictive foods, manipulated health messaging, and deliberately targeted children. These actions contributed to chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and mental health challenges.
Australia’s Health Star Ratings Under Scrutiny
Ms. Sacher notes that many of the same products continue receiving high Health Star Ratings (HSR) in Australia. She explains, “The HSR algorithm was developed with food companies, not independently. It guides families, yet often rates ultra-processed foods as healthy. This misleads the public and fails health standards.”
Urgency for Government Intervention
The nutritionist emphasizes that the Australian government must act now. “The US plans to remove harmful additives from foods. Australia should do the same. Families continue paying the price with their health without action.”
Public Support and Systemic Challenges
A petition to Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, demanding a full review of HSR, has gathered over 14,500 signatures. The Department of Health and Aged Care defends the system as “transparent and evidence-based.” However, uptake remains below target, and Food Ministers now consider making HSR mandatory in 2026.
The Health Consequences
Recent statistics show two-thirds of Australian adults and one in four children live with higher weight or obesity. Ms. Sacher warns, “Something is broken. We must speak up. We need protection from harmful foods, not protection for companies profiting from them. Health must come first.”
Global Implications
Experts caution that without stricter regulation, ultra-processed foods will continue straining public health and families worldwide. Legal action, like the San Francisco case, could set a global precedent. Multinational companies would need to prioritize public health over marketing and profits.
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