Second public consultation on the Health Star Rating system

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on a proposal to consider amending the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to require most packaged foods to display a Health Star Rating (HSR) symbol. 

This is the second round of public consultation on Proposal P1067 – Health Star Rating System. 

After considering feedback from the first consultation and available evidence, FSANZ has revised its proposed approach and prepared draft changes to the Code. 

Under the proposed approach, the Code would: 

require the HSR symbol to be displayed on most packaged foods for retail sale where a nutrition information panel is required, subject to specified exemptions and prohibitions  

standardise the HSR symbol design and location  

require the HSR to be calculated using a prescribed algorithm. 

The HSR system remains voluntary while the proposal is underway.

FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said feedback received through the first consultation had helped refine the proposed approach. 

“We received input from a wide range of stakeholders and made changes to our proposed approach in response,” Dr Cuthbert said. 

“These changes clarify how the system would work and aim to make the proposed requirements simpler to implement and enforce.

“A mandatory approach would make Health Star Ratings more consistently available, helping consumers compare the nutritional profile of similar packaged foods to support informed choices while providing greater regulatory certainty for industry and enforcement agencies.

“FSANZ recognises the importance of consumer education to complement and maximise the effectiveness of HSR, should the system be mandated.

“We also support reviewing the HSR algorithm once the Australian Dietary Guidelines review is complete to help ensure it reflects the latest dietary guidance.”

FSANZ is proposing a transition period of 3 years, with a separate 2-year stock-in-trade period.