FOR years, Milo has marketed itself as a healthy drink aimed at kids, much to the dismay of health experts. Now it’s finally acknowledged the truth.

NESTLE has decided to drop Milo’s 4.5 Health Star Rating after health experts criticised the brand for “tricking” consumers into thinking Milo is healthy.

Nestle’s 4.5-star rating was based on the condition that people consume just three teaspoons of Milo with a glass of skim milk.

Public health experts and consumer group Choice have previously suggested Milo should receive a 1.5 star rating, because most people don’t actually consume Milo that way.

“Most Aussies don’t consume Milo with skim milk alone,” said Choice’s head of campaigns and policy, Katinka Day.

“To claim a health star rating by adding nutritionally superior ingredients of another product is not helpful, especially for people who eat their Milo with full cream milk, or even straight out of the can or on ice-cream,” Ms Day said.

“It’s a move that smacks of marketing trickery rather than a genuine attempt to help consumers make an informed choice.”

Ms Day said the 4.5 rating should be replaced with a more accurate description of the product.

“While we welcome Nestle’s decision to ditch its dishonest star rating, it doesn’t go far enough. Milo needs to display a 1.5 star rating which reflects the product’s actual ingredients,” she said.

More at http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/nestle-drops-milos-45-health-star-rating-after-criticism-from-health-experts/news-story/e7f5c81ce450b8843b1df1dd505baf2c#sharehash