Outcomes of Food Ministers’ Meeting – July 2024

25 July 2024

Background  

On Thursday 25 July, the Food Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) met, issuing a communique on key outcomes.  

Health Star Rating 

Ministers reiterated their disappointed in the voluntary uptake of the Health Star Rating (HSR). They directed FSANZ to work with FRSC to begin preparatory work to enable an efficient process to mandate HSR if the final uptake targets are not met (70% of intended products to apply HSR by 14 November 2025). 

This will not include a full review of the HSR system or the algorithm, however, it will give consideration to specific issues such as the impact on cost of living and inconsistencies in some product categories. 

The FMM also requested that the HSR (front of pack) work be undertaken in parallel with the scoping of holistic review on the Nutrition Information Panel (back of pack), including information about added sugars. This will be informed by results of FSANZ consumer research on added sugars labelling in the NIP as part of Proposal P1058. 

Proposal P1028 – Infant Formula 

Ministers considered the variations approved by the FSANZ Board following the major review of the regulation of infant formula products under standard 2.9.1 of the Code. The ministers agreed not to request a review of Proposal P1028, however, New Zealand will be considering their option to opt out of the standard due to concerns of their health minister. 

Toddler milk was raised as an issue among the FMM and FRSC will now consider how to address this matter. 

Commercial foods for infants and young children 

Food Ministers approved documents for a public consultation in August on improving commercial foods for infants and young children to better align infant and young child diets with Australian and New Zealand infant and toddler feeding guidelines. The consultation will outline regulatory policy options to address identified issues.  

Other 

Other items discussed by the FMM included outcomes of consumer research on carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcohol; and a project update on the FSANZ Act review and modernising the food regulatory system. Associated documents of the latter will be available on the Food Regulation website soon.  

Issues for members 

With HSR labelling likely to be mandated after the November 2025 targets are assessed, members are encouraged to plan and prepare for label changes across portfolios, noting that options for added sugar labelling are still being investigated. 

AFGC action  

The AFGC will 

• continue to engage with governments ensuring consideration is given to industry circumstances and costs of applying HSR and added sugar NIP labelling, including having ample transition time and potential industry assistance. 
• engage with members and government on aspects of HSR where there are inconsistencies in product categories. 
• convene a working group to develop a submission for the consultation on Commercial foods for infants and young children. 

Contact  

For more information contact Duncan Craig, Director, Nutrition and Regulation at duncan.craig@afgc.org.au or 0403 854 947.