Aim
Support implementation and evidence-based decision-making for operation of the Health Star Rating (HSR) system.
Leads
- The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is the lead for administration of the voluntary HSR system and coordination of monitoring.
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is leading preparatory work to consider a mandatory HSR system in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. They also led the data collection and analysis component of monitoring in Australia.
- The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries led the data collection and analysis component of monitoring in New Zealand.
Authorisation
The Health Star Rating system is a front-of-pack nutrition labelling system that aims to provide a quick and easy way for consumers to compare the nutritional profile of similar packaged foods. The system was introduced as a voluntary system in Australia and New Zealand in 2014. In 2020, food ministers set uptake targets for the system and agreed that if uptake does not reach at least 70% of intended foods by November 2025, they would consider mandating the system.
In February 2026, based on evidence and voluntary uptake not meeting agreed targets, food ministers requested FSANZ prepare a proposal on mandating the HSR in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Status
Implementation of the voluntary system will continue while the proposal to consider mandatory requirements is progressed. Information on the voluntary system, including monitoring reports and supporting material, is available on the HSR website.
FSANZ has commenced work on a proposal to consider mandating the HSR in the Code. Updates on the progress of the proposal are available on the FSANZ website.
Related information
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