For example, Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes Clusters, which only scores 2 out of 5 stars, has an ‘example Health Star Rating’ of 3.5 stars on the side of their boxes. Interestingly, their All Bran cereal, which scores 5 stars, has an ‘example health star rating’ of 5 stars. “Health Star Ratings were introduced to help consumers make healthier choices. We’re disappointed that food manufacturers are abusing the system to promote nutrient-poor foods as a healthier option,” said Choice’s policy and campaigns advisor Katinka Day.

A Kellogg spokesperson said to B&T: “Kellogg’s is not gaming the Health Star Rating system. The star rating for all of our cereals is shown on the front of pack. Information is also available on our website. An explanation of the Health Star Rating system is shown on the side of our packs and is clearly labelled ‘example only’. This uses 3.5 stars regardless of the product – a 5 star food such as All Bran also shows 3.5 stars on the side. We are in the process of updating all of our packaging so that the example matches what is shown on front of pack. This has already been done for brands such as Nutri-Grain and Sultana Bran, with changes progressively rolled out across the range.”