Should the Health Star Rating System be mandatory?

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on Proposal P1067 — Health Star Rating System, which considers making the HSR symbol compulsory for packaged foods sold in Australia and New Zealand.

This proposal was raised by FSANZ following a request from the Food Ministers’ Meeting in February 2026 after voluntary uptake targets for the HSR system were not met.

The HSR system is an interpretive front-of-pack nutrition labelling tool that summarises a food’s overall nutritional profile using a simple star rating.

Based on current evidence, including consumer research, technical analysis and stakeholder consultation, the HSR system appears warranted.

“The evidence shows that interpretive front-of-pack labelling can support consumers to better understand the nutritional profile of foods and make more informed choices,” said FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert.

“It also indicates that a more consistent approach across the food supply [chain] could improve comparability of information and strengthen consumer confidence in labelling.”

The FSANZ is now seeking views from consumers, public health organisations, industry, enforcement agencies and others with an interest in food labelling. It will also be holding webinars during the consultation period.

The FSANZ Consultation Hub will be open for submissions until 21 June 2026. To find out more, visit here.

Image credit: iStock.com/Mariia Vitkovska