Mandatory Health Star Rating revised for a second consultation

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on the second round of public consultation on Proposal P1067 – Health Star Rating System, which will require most packaged foods to display a Health Star Rating (HSR) symbol.

After considering feedback from the first consultation and available evidence, FSANZ has refined its proposed approach and prepared draft changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (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; and
• require the HSR to be calculated using a prescribed algorithm.

“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,” said FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert.

“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.”

The HSR system remains voluntary while the proposal is underway.

If the mandatory approach is approved, FSANZ is proposing a transition period of three years, with a separate two-year stock-in-trade period.

To make a submission, visit the FSANZ Consultation Hub before it closes on 23 December 2026.

Image credit: iStock.com/JackF