If targets aren’t met for voluntary Health Star Rating (HSR) labels on food items, the Australian Government may consider mandating the HSR system.
HSR is a voluntary, front of pack, food labelling system that rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged foods and assigns a rating from ½ to 5 stars. It provides consumers with a quick and easy way of comparing similar food products.
The system was developed by government in collaboration with industry, public health and consumer groups and implemented in 2014. The number of stars is determined using the Health Star Rating System Calculator
In 2020, Food Ministers set three uptake targets for the HSR System:
- Interim target 1: 50% of intended products apply an HSR by 14 November 2023.
- Interim target 2: 60% of intended products apply an HSR by 14 November 2024.
- Final target: 70% of intended products apply an HSR by 14 November 2025.
In May 2024, Food Ministers noted that the interim target 1 has not been met, with less than 32% of relevant products displaying the HSR. Ministers subsequently agreed that if the final target (70% of products by November 2025) is not met by industry, they will consider mandating the HSR system.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has commenced work to inform Ministers’ future decision making on mandating the system and is also considering in parallel any potential changes needed to the Nutrition Information Panel on the back of pack. If the mandate is introduced, it is not intended to review the whole HSR system or the algorithm used to make the star calculations. Any new requirement would have a transition time for industry to comply.
A mandatory HSR label would create positive changes for consumers and provide a level playing field for industry but may also create additional challenges for some manufacturers, including in the dairy industry.