Doctors and nutritionists have applauded a move by food regulators that will see the health star ratings of some pure fruit juices slashed because of their significant sugar content. 

A vote by the members of the Australian and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has maintained an earlier decision to significantly downgrade the star ratings of some 100% pure fruit and vegetable juices.

The group, made up of state and territory ministers responsible for food, resisted a push by the Federal Government to allow pure fruit juices to retain an automatic five stars rating. 

Under the decision, the health star rating will consider the sugar content of the juices and won’t give extra points for the products being sourced from fruits and vegetables.