The NZBC received the following update from the Population Health Division | Preventive Health and Food Policy Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is a joint initiative between the New Zealand and Australian state and territory governments. It was developed in collaboration with the food industry, public health and consumer groups and has been implemented in Australia and New Zealand since 2014.
The HSR is an interpretive front-of-pack labelling system. It rates the overall nutrient profile of packaged foods and assigns a rating from 0.5 stars to 5 stars. The HSR system has made it quicker and easier to choose a healthier option when comparing similar packaged foods (e.g., breakfast cereals).
When comparing similar foods, foods with more stars are healthier than those with fewer stars. The system cannot be used to compare dissimilar foods, such as yoghurt with a soft drink.
After five years of implementation, the HSR system underwent a central review in 2019. The independent reviewers recommended that the system remain voluntary but be mandated if it is not displayed on 70 percent of intended products within five years.
In 2020, Food Ministers in Australia and New Zealand set the following uptake targets for the HSR:
- Interim target 1 (at 3 years): 50 percent of intended products apply the HSR by 14 November 2023
- Interim target 2 (at 4 years): 60 percent of intended products apply the HSR by 14 November 2024
- Final target (at 5 years): 70 percent of intended products apply the HSR by 14 November 2025.
Ministers agreed that if the final target is unmet, they will consider mandating the system.
The latest figures showed that the HSR is displayed on
- 35 percent of intended products in Australia; and
- 33 percent of intended products in New Zealand.
This is a three percent increase in each country from the 2023 results but below the 2024 target of 60 percent.
In July 2024, Food Ministers asked FSANZ to commence preparatory work to inform a future decision to mandate the system if the final target is unmet. This work is underway.
