FSANZ calls for submissions on mandating the Health Star Rating
15 May 2026
Background
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions on Proposal P1067 – Health Star Rating System, with a closing date of 21 June 2026.
The proposal is considering whether the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) should be amended to require packaged foods sold in Australia and New Zealand display a Health Star Rating (HSR) symbol. This was requested by Food Ministers after voluntary uptake targets for the HSR system were not met.
FSANZ will consider all submissions before progressing to a second consultation in mid-October 2026 – this will include the draft regulatory measures and detailed cost-benefit assessment. FSANZ estimates the entire process will be completed in 12-18 months (mid 2027), plus an additional transition time for implementation.
Implications for members
FSANZ’s assessment is that based on existing evidence, amending the Code to mandate the HSR system appears warranted. This will have impacts on food and beverage business who are yet to implement HSR labelling, as well as potentially some who that have already implemented.
There are many proposed changes that members will need to consider, including but not limited to:
- Star-only symbol mandatory (prohibiting display of energy and nutrient thumbnails)
- Requiring fibre and calcium to be listed in the NIP if they contribute to the HSR score or HSR category
- Inclusion of percentage of fruit, vegetable, nut and legume content (FVNL) in the ingredient list if contributing ‘V’ points
- HSR prohibited on special purpose foods
- Redefines dairy and dairy analogue categories
- Introduces legally binding rules on reconstitution, drained weight, FVNL calculation method
- Multipacks and multicomponent foods
- Allowance for application of HSR on back of pack for over-stickered imported food.
As such members should anticipate upcoming packaging artwork changes, increased label compliance, verification effort and costs across ANZ portfolios, and need for internal governance across regulatory, legal, nutrition and packaging to manage implementation and assurance.
Members are encouraged to remain engaged as this work progresses.
FSANZ webinar
FSANZ is hosting webinars where they will provide a brief overview of the proposed approaches for a mandated Health Star Rating system and invite questions from attendees.
The webinars for industry stakeholders and representatives are listed below, and FSANZ requests that each company or organisation attend one webinar only:
There is also opportunity to submit questions in advance to nutritionlabelling@foodstandards.gov.au by COB Thursday 19 May 2026.
AFGC action
The AFGC has convened a working group to inform its detailed submission to this first consultation. Central to this will be provision examples (de-identified if requested) to evidence practical impacts on the sector; including product categories affected, expected packaging lead times, estimated costs, and any data/analysis members can share.
AFGC will work with other industry groups to understand their concerns about the draft. We will keep pushing for an outcome that recognises the cost and time involved in updating labels and packaging and, where needed, reformulating products, and that allows a suitable transition period to make these changes.
Who you can talk to
Contact Anne-Marie Mackintosh for more information on any aspects of the activities of the working group (including if you wish to join) or to discuss the FSANZ proposal.
Dr Duncan Craig
Director, Health, Trade & Regulatory Affairs
