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News.com.au
03-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Leading pediatric nutritionist exposes food Health Star Rating system
A number of family favourite food items have been revealed to contain harmful additives and chemicals, covered up by the 'misleading' Health Star Rating (HSR) system. Pediatric nutritionist Mandy Sacher said foods advertised as healthy and marketed to children with a 4-star health rating or higher actually have ingredients linked to ADHD, gut damage, cancer and addictive eating. Under current HSR rules, products can receive high star ratings for adding isolated protein or synthetic fibre, regardless of overall ingredient quality or processing level, and there is no penalty for the presence of artificial additives, refined starches or emulsifiers. Ms Sacher said the public is 'flying blind' when it comes to deciding how to pick between so-called healthy foods. 'In my view, the Health Star Rating (HSR) is a ticking public health time bomb – it could one day be seen as the asbestos scandal of our food system,' she told 'It's misleading Australian families, especially parents, by giving ultra-processed foods a health halo. 'Products full of additives, synthetic fibres, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners and industrial seed oils are scoring 4 or 5 stars, yet emerging evidence links these ingredients to ADHD, gut damage, insulin resistance, anxiety, depression and even cancer.' The pediatric nutritionist said these ingredients and additives are often found in many popular muesli bar products, including those which are rated three, four and five stars under the system. 'The system completely ignores the internationally recognised NOVA scale, which classifies foods based on their level of processing,' Ms Sacher said. 'These ultra-processed snacks are engineered to override satiety and promote over consumption, yet they're being marketed to kids with government endorsement. 'Parents trust the stars. But often, the higher the rating, the more processed the product. 'That's not just confusing – it's dangerous.' She said only 32 per cent of products carry the HSR rating. 'Even the government's own 2019 review flagged serious flaws: no independent watchdog, no penalties for additives, and no consistency,' she aid. 'Six years later, nothing has changed.' When asked whether the problem lies in how the rating is calculated, or how it's communicated, Ms Sacher simply replied: 'Both.' 'The HSR scores food based only on nutrients like sugar, salt and added fibre, but it ignores how processed the food is, and what it's made from,' she said. 'Stars appear on the front of packs as a government-endorsed health symbol. Parents assume a 4-star snack is a good choice – but those stars can be manipulated by adding synthetic fibre or lab-made vitamins, even if the product is ultra-processed. 'Food tech is advancing rapidly, but the HSR hasn't been updated in over a decade, since 2014 and it doesn't account for processing, it doesn't penalise additives. 'It allows snacks made in labs to appear 'healthy' based on technical nutrient scores.' Ms Sacher believes the system rewards 'nutrient manipulation, not food integrity', with a rising number of illnesses, such as hypertension, anxiety and depression, fatty liver, and type two diabetes appearing in young children. 'These foods may disrupt gut health, hijack appetite, impair mood, and promote inflammation,' she said. 'In my opinion, if we keep rewarding fake food and penalising real food, we're not just misleading consumers – we're fuelling a preventable health crisis. '(The HSR System) needs a full reset. If 100 per cent walnuts can't get 5 stars, but kids' lollies can, we need to admit the system is broken.' The HSR system assigns packaged foods and beverages a rating based on the overall nutritional value of the product, a Department of Health, Disability and Ageing spokesperson told 'The system is designed to provide shoppers a quick, easy, and standardised way to compare similar packaged foods. The more stars, the healthier the choice,' the spokesperson said. 'For example, you can compare the HSR of a yoghurt to another yoghurt, but you should not compare the HSR of a yoghurt to a bag of chips. 'The number of stars a packaged food or beverage product displays is determined by using a strict algorithm called the HSR Calculator … developed in consultation with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and other technical and nutrition experts.' The spokesperson said the Calculator balances positive nutrients with nutrients associated with risk factors for chronic disease, with the HSR for most products based on: total energy (kilojoules), saturated fat, sodium (salt) and total sugar content. 'Consuming too much of these is linked to overweight and obesity, some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 'A high HSR does not mean that the food or beverage provides all of the essential nutrients that are required for a balanced and healthy diet or that the product should be eaten in large quantities, or often,' the spokesperson said. 'The HSR system does not take into consideration other real, claimed or potential health effects of particular ingredients, additives, products or processing methods,' they said. 'Neither does it consider other important nutrients. 'In Australia, food additives are approved only if it can be shown no harmful effects are likely to result from their use.' A spokesperson for Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) said any additives must undergo a safety assessment before being permitted for use in food sold. 'Standard 1.3.1 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code governs the use of food additives, such as preservatives, colours and emulsifiers,' they told 'These additives must comply with the safety limits specified in Schedule 15 and be clearly labelled on food products to enable consumers to make informed purchases. 'Schedule 15 also details which additives are permitted, the types of food they can be used in, and the maximum amounts allowed to ensure safe and appropriate use across different food categories.' While the body is responsible for the development and maintenance the Code, which sets out the requirements for food produced or imported for sale to ensure a safe food supply for consumers, it does not enforce them.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The $29.95 'miracle' buy parents are calling their 'secret weapon': 'A literal life changer'
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Parents of fussy eaters know the struggle: A nightly script of 'just one bite…', screeches of 'yuck!' no matter how small the carrots were chopped, the absolute stubbornness of a pre-schooler hell bent on only consuming plain pasta. Anyone raising little people who've inexplicably decided to take up a 'beige only' diet will often despair about the lack of nutrition their children are consuming. But thousands of Australian families have discovered a brilliant product that stealthily packs meals with essential vitamins and minerals, without the tantrums. Nutra Organics' Veggie Hero is saving parents' sanity at dinner time. Parents navigating the fussy eating phase have likely read all of the books, listened to all of the experts, and followed all of the kids' meal inspo Instagram accounts, and therefore know the advice: continue to offer nutritious options on the plate even if it's not eaten (the waste, though!), take the pressure off, lead by example and eat together. All of that is good and well, but for an immediate solution until your child has decided that broccoli isn't, in fact, the devil's food, a two teaspoons of Veggie Hero in their meals ensures their nutritional needs are being met. Veggie Hero contains 18 bioavailable vitamins and minerals from pure, organic whole foods, including Vitamins A, C, D, E, B, Zinc, Folate and Iodine. Packed with 14 vegetables, fruits and super greens, it's a pantry staple guaranteed to be a parent's secret weapon in the kitchen. Certified organic veggies including carrot, sweet potato, spinach and broccoli are blended with super greens like kale and spirulina to support your child's development, growth, energy and immunity. Green banana resistant starch supports a healthy gut microbiome. The 125g tin costs $29.95, or $1.20 per serve, while the larger 200g is $44.95, or $1.12 per serve. Veggie Hero $29.95 Shop Two teaspoons of the nutrient-dense powder in meals conceals a boost of daily goodness with ninja-grade stealth, with no after taste. Reviews of Veggie Hero are glowing, with an average 4.8 star rating from 275 reviews, and many grateful parents saying it's given them some peace of mind. 'Trying to get nutrition into Mr 3 year old has been a nightmare he has texture and smell issues with food but since finding veggie hero and adding to his food the difference it has made to him is simply amazing,' one happy customer wrote. Certified organic veggies including carrot, sweet potato, spinach and broccoli are blended with super greens like kale and spirulina to support development, growth, energy and immunity 'He has colour in his cheeks, energy to burn and his digestive system has never been better, I'm so so happy that I found this product and want to thank the makers from the bottom of my heart it's literally changed my little one's life. I've added it to boiling water with rice, pasta, noodles and added to mince etc too.' Similarly: 'My kiddos are super fussy when it comes to vegetables and textures,' this parent wrote in their review. 'Adding in the veggie hero in everything possible gives me peace of mind knowing that they are getting a bit of something extra. Less mum guilt as well.' 'My toddler loves the taste. I add it into everything. Great product to get those extra veggies into savoury foods,' wrote another. Gutsy Gummies $39.95 Shop Nutra Organics bestsellers The brand says it incorporates wholefoods to deeply nourish and Nutra Organics products are evidence based and offer family friendly nutrition. Below are the brand's bestsellers. 1) Collagen Beauty - Skin, Hair, Nails + Gut powder (3047 reviews) $49.95 2) Best Selling Broth Bundle (302 reviews) $143 (was $198.70) 3) Super Greens + Reds Watermelon Strawberry Daily Wholefood Multivitamin (102 Reviews) $84.95 4) Glorious Gummies Bundle Kids wellbeing. Gut. Protein Snack (363 Reviews) $139.80 5) Chicken Bone Broth Homestyle Original Immunity, Gut + Energy (659 Reviews) $47.95 Well known for their digestible collagen powders and concentrated bone broths, Nutra Organics have a range of other kid-friendly offerings to help families boost their nutrition intake. Their wildly popular Gutsy Gummies look and taste like a jelly lolly, while supporting kids gut wellbeing. Completely free from artificial ingredients, these low sugar treats come in strawberry, blueberry and mango flavour, and are a delicious and fun alternative to supermarket sweets. Simple to make, you just need to mix the gelatin powder with cold water, before adding boiling water and then refrigerate for two hours. Thriving Family $57.95 Gutsy Gummies powder can also be used as the base for a bunch of different desserts and snacks - and the Nutra Organics website has dozens of recipe ideas to try. If you have a smoothie or flavoured milk fan in the family, adding a scoop of Thriving Family will help to support development and general wellbeing as well as immunity, and gut health. The plant-based protein and wholefood multivitamin blend is packed with 17 vitamins and minerals and comes in four varieties - vanilla, double choc, strawberry and unflavoured.
News.com.au
25-06-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Three reasons parents and their millenial or Gen Z kids don't talk
Pride, trust issues and a fear of judgment are preventing Australian families from talking more about mental health, new research has found. Half of parents of 16 to 30-year-olds are uncomfortable talking to their children about their wellbeing, although a third want to. Worryingly, younger people found it even harder to communicate, with 62 per cent of respondents unable to confide in older family members. The next phase of News Corp Australia's Can We Talk? campaign launching today, in partnership with Medibank, will focus on how families can support each other with mental health challenges. The new research, by New Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank, has exposed the intergenerational barriers holding families back from supporting each other. It found families often lacked the tools, language and 'mental health literacy' to communicate. Young people were most concerned about negative responses. It calls on parents to take the lead and spark conversations around mental health in a casual, empathetic way. Parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson said asking for 'consent' before raising a tough topic or sharing advice could be a 'gamechanger'. 'Asking for consent seems like a small thing, but can change a conversation drastically,' he said. 'What I find helpful with my daughter is to say, 'I've noticed this happening with you', and then, 'I have some ideas that could help if you're interested. If you're not, that's totally fine'. 'Or if you are the one opening up, start by asking if someone can just listen.' The father-of-six, and R U OK? ambassador, said there were many reasons why people felt reluctant to share issues with family members. Younger people often worried that a parent would interfere, judge them or deliver a lecture. On the flip side, parents may fear being seen as a 'failure', or want to avoid using their children as 'therapists'. But he said positive communication across generations in families helped build connection. 'We need to equip families to talk about these topics because many struggle,' he said. 'The more we communicate with each other, the more we can develop trust, be vulnerable and sense when someone's okay or not. It's important to be intentional about these conversations because if you are staring at a screen and not each other, it's hard to pick up when someone needs help.' The Growth Distillery research found all topics were harder to talk about with someone in a different generation. But relationship issues topped the list, with more than half reluctant to share across age groups, followed by social pressures (52 per cent) and stress (49 per cent). Relationships Australia CEO Elisabeth Shaw said research showed 18 to 25-year-olds were one of the loneliest groups, and it was important they had someone 'safe' to talk to, whether it was a family member or not. 'Knowing that in their darkest times, young people have someone to talk to, is a huge protective factor for mental health and suicide,' she said. 'But if they feel shut down, dismissed or ridiculed by family, or if there's disinterest, then that hurts more than if it were a casual acquaintance. 'What's important is to talk to somebody who is trustworthy and open to your experience.' She said in many ways, today's young people had more in common with their parents than ever before, such as social media use, online dating and multiple romantic relationships. 'The clash happens when the younger generation feels shut down and misunderstood. A way to take that into account is to enter their world, rather than taking the approach of: 'Do it my way and follow my recommendations'.'
Daily Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Telegraph
Why Gen Z kids and their parents don't talk
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mental Health. Followed categories will be added to My News. Pride, trust issues and a fear of judgment are preventing Australian families from talking more about mental health, new research has found. Half of parents of 16 to 30-year-olds are uncomfortable talking to their children about their wellbeing, although a third want to. Worryingly, younger people found it even harder to communicate, with 62 per cent of respondents unable to confide in older family members. The next phase of News Corp Australia's Can We Talk? campaign launching today, in partnership with Medibank, will focus on how families can support each other with mental health challenges. The new research, by New Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank, has exposed the intergenerational barriers holding families back from supporting each other. It found families often lacked the tools, language and 'mental health literacy' to communicate. Young people were most concerned about negative responses. It calls on parents to take the lead and spark conversations around mental health in a casual, empathetic way. Parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson said asking for 'consent' before raising a tough topic or sharing advice could be a 'gamechanger'. 'Asking for consent seems like a small thing, but can change a conversation drastically,' he said. 'What I find helpful with my daughter is to say, 'I've noticed this happening with you', and then, 'I have some ideas that could help if you're interested. If you're not, that's totally fine'. Justin Couslon has given useful tips that he says can be a 'gamechanger'. Picture Lachie Millard 'Or if you are the one opening up, start by asking if someone can just listen.' The father-of-six, and R U OK? ambassador, said there were many reasons why people felt reluctant to share issues with family members. Younger people often worried that a parent would interfere, judge them or deliver a lecture. On the flip side, parents may fear being seen as a 'failure', or want to avoid using their children as 'therapists'. But he said positive communication across generations in families helped build connection. 'We need to equip families to talk about these topics because many struggle,' he said. 'The more we communicate with each other, the more we can develop trust, be vulnerable and sense when someone's okay or not. It's important to be intentional about these conversations because if you are staring at a screen and not each other, it's hard to pick up when someone needs help.' Half of parents of Gen Zs and Millenials are uncomfortable talking about their wellbeing. The Growth Distillery research found all topics were harder to talk about with someone in a different generation. But relationship issues topped the list, with more than half reluctant to share across age groups, followed by social pressures (52 per cent) and stress (49 per cent). Relationships Australia CEO Elisabeth Shaw said research showed 18 to 25-year-olds were one of the loneliest groups, and it was important they had someone 'safe' to talk to, whether it was a family member or not. 'Knowing that in their darkest times, young people have someone to talk to, is a huge protective factor for mental health and suicide,' she said. 'But if they feel shut down, dismissed or ridiculed by family, or if there's disinterest, then that hurts more than if it were a casual acquaintance. 'What's important is to talk to somebody who is trustworthy and open to your experience.' She said in many ways, today's young people had more in common with their parents than ever before, such as social media use, online dating and multiple romantic relationships. 'The clash happens when the younger generation feels shut down and misunderstood. A way to take that into account is to enter their world, rather than taking the approach of: 'Do it my way and follow my recommendations'.' Originally published as Three reasons parents and their millenial or Gen Z kids don't talk
