A recent lawsuit in San Francisco against major food companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé, has become a wake-up call for Australian health experts. The case accuses these big corporations of deliberately making addictive ultra-processed foods while using false health messages. This legal case claims these corporations knowingly sold harmful products to children. [I] Leading children's nutritionist Mandy Sacher thinks Australia should do the same thing, saying that the country's current rules fail to protect people properly. She stresses that these companies have been pulling the wool over people's eyes for decades, selling harmful products as good choices for families.
Sacher's main worry focuses on Australia's Health Star Rating system, which she calls "captured policy." The formula behind this front-of-pack labelling plan was created together with the same corporations it judges. [II] As a result, many ultra-processed products containing cheap, doubtful ingredients get high ratings of three to five stars. This situation lets manufacturers sell possibly dangerous foods as healthy options, going against international standards for nutrition advice.
Public anger has increased greatly, with over 14,500 people signing a petition asking for complete changes to the HSR formula before it possibly becomes required in 2026. The Department of Health supports the current system, saying it stays clear, is based on evidence, and matches World Health Organization suggestions. [III] Officials mention that an independent check happened in 2019, although voluntary use rates have been disappointingly low across the industry.
With obesity affecting two-thirds of Australian adults and one-quarter of children, Sacher believes that something is clearly wrong. She asks the government to make public health more important than business profits, demanding responsibility from food makers. The situation shows a bigger problem facing modern societies: finding a balance between business freedom and protecting citizens from products that cause heart disease, stroke, cancer, and mental health problems, while also putting pressure on healthcare systems financially. [IV]
https://www.news.com.au/al
Question 31: The phrase “wake-up call” in paragraph 1 has the closest meaning to _________.
A. open up to B. wake up to C. catch on to D. face up to
Question 32: Which is NOT mentioned as a health problem connected to ultra-processed foods?
A. Diabetes B. Heart disease
C. Stroke D. Mental health problems
Question 33: Where in the paragraph does the following sentence best fit?
Urgent action is needed to protect current and future generations.
A. [I]
B. [II]
C. [III]
D. [IV]
Question 34: The word “it” in paragraph 2 refers to _________.
A. the formula
B. the labelling plan
C. captured policy
D. the Health Star Rating system
Question 35: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?
A. The Department of Health's 2019 independent review confirmed HSR aligns with WHO standards despite growing public criticism.
B. Over 14,500 people demand HSR reforms, but the department defends the system despite low voluntary industry adoption.
C. Public petitions call for HSR changes while government officials emphasize the importance of voluntary industry participation.
D. An independent review validated the HSR system, though tensions remain between health advocates and regulatory authorities.
Question 36: The word “petition” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.
A. appeal B. approval C. demand D. protest
Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
A. She urges authorities to balance health concerns with business interests fairly.
B. She encourages officials to promote cooperation between health sectors and food industries.
C. She requests policymakers to strengthen partnerships while supporting manufacturers' product improvements.
D. She calls on authorities to prioritize well-being over profits and hold producers accountable.
Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. The Health Star Rating formula was developed with participation from the companies it evaluates.
B. The Department of Health acknowledges that the current rating system requires significant modifications.
C. Mandatory implementation of the Health Star Rating system was successfully introduced in 2019.
D. The majority of food manufacturers have voluntarily adopted the Health Star Rating across Australia.
Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. The San Francisco lawsuit will likely lead to similar legal actions in Australia soon.
B. The World Health Organization has expressed concerns about Australia's rating system recently.
C. Corporate involvement in creating the rating formula may have compromised its effectiveness significantly.
D. Most Australian families currently rely on the Health Star Rating when purchasing food products.
Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?
A. A San Francisco lawsuit against food companies inspires Australian nutritionists to demand stricter regulations and improved transparency standards.
B. Australian health experts criticize the Health Star Rating system for misleading consumers while obesity rates continue rising nationwide.
C. Major food corporations face legal challenges for producing addictive products as public concern over health labelling grows significantly.
D. Controversy over Australia's compromised Health Star Rating system highlights tensions between corporate interests and public health protection needs.