Health ministers will be asked to reconsider the nutritional benefits of fresh juice when they meet later this month.
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Earlier this year, fresh squeeze orange juice with no added sugar was downgraded from its five Health Star Rating to two in a plan MIA growers labelled "disappointing".
Meanwhile, diary drinks with added sugar and some diet soft drink varities have a higher rating.
The Commonwealth, South Australian and NSW governments supported maintaining the four star rating, however Victoria, Queensland, Tamania, the ACT, Northern Territory, Western Australia and New Zealand supported the ratings change.
Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock said the health star rating would become a "misnomer" if the decision stood.
"The algorithm that underpins the Health Star Rating targets sugar and disregards the health benefits provided by a glass of fresh juice," Mr Hancock said.
"The fact that diet soft drink with no nutrient value can receive four stars would suggest the Health Star Rating system is not focused on the overall health benefits of a product, but instead focused on just one element."
The peak citrus body has brought the National Farmers Federation, AusVeg as well as groups representing apples, pears, passionfruit, mangoes and summerfruits together to support a four star rating for fresh juice.
Mr Hancock said the current Health Star Decision contradicts Australian Dietary Guidelines which put fresh juice in the 'eat more of' category.
"There are allowances in the ADG for the substitution of fruit juice for a whole piece of fruit in the diet," Mr Hancock said.
"Consumption of fruit and vegetables continues to fall amongst Australians, with latest statistics showing just five per cent of all Australians over 18 consume the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.
"Effectively labelling fresh juice with no added sugar as 'unhealthy' would hinder any chance of stopping this decline.
"We call on each state government to consider the facts and not join in the unfair demonisation of juice as part of an anti-sugar campaign."
The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation will next meet on November 27.
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Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
