Boosted Health Star Ratings now in force

Introduced in 2014, the trans-Tasman Health Star Ratings system was enhanced after a review suggested improvements to better reflect dietary guidelines.

The updated system, which is tougher on sugar and salt, is now in force and all manufacturers participating in the opt-in system are required to have updated their labelling to reflect the changes.

Key changes include lower ratings for products with high levels of sugar and salt — including sugary breakfast cereals and fruit juices — and automatic 5-star ratings for minimally processed fruit and vegetables.

The Health Star Rating system remains voluntary — and there is no government charge to use it — but if uptake by manufacturers does not meet a 70% target by 2025, government will consider making the system mandatory.

Uptake monitoring will next be done in November 2023, to assess progress against an interim government target of 50% of intended products displaying the stars.

Image credit: iStock.com/Zephyr18