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Briefs

Report informs preparatory work on mandating the Health Star Rating (HSR) system and review of NIP

Report informs preparatory work on mandating the Health Star Rating (HSR) system and review of NIP

1 April 2025

Background  

Food ministers asked Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) last July to start preparatory work to inform their future decision-making on mandating the Health Star Rating (HSR) system; as well as review the nutrition information panel (NIP) in parallel.  

FSANZ has released a report summarising ‘what they heard’ from their call for information early this year (full report here). The key themes raised across industry, government, public health and academic stakeholders were:  

Common themes: 

  • Changes should be evidence-based, aligned with dietary guidelines and supported by consumer education. 
  • Regulatory costs should be minimised. 
  • Labelling should be accessible for online shopping. 
  • Guidance and technical support is needed for businesses t-o support effective implementation. 
  • Monitoring and enforcement should be ongoing. 

NIP themes: 

  • declarations which could be added, such as dietary fibre and added sugars 
  • potential improvements to accessibility, including format, consistency and language 
  • continued use of NIPs for monitoring, compliance and policy development. 

HSR themes: 

  • consumer use and potential mandating of the scheme 
  • addressing perceived inconsistencies associated with the HSR algorithm 
  • changes to the HSR graphic for better consumer understanding. 

Submitters also discussed the relationship between the NIP and HSR, emphasising their distinct purposes but recognising the need for them to be closely aligned. 

Issues for members 

The information and evidence submitted by stakeholders in this report will be used in the HSR preparatory work. Further stakeholder consultations for both projects are anticipated this year, with announcements on participation to follow. 

The outcome of this work is expected to be presented, along with the 2025 HSR uptake monitoring report, to food ministers in early 2026 to inform their decision on mandating. Consideration on the NIP review will be presented at the same time.  

Food Ministers have previously agreed that if the final HSR target is not met (70% as of mid-November 2025), they will consider mandating the system. Noting the low HSR uptake against the first and second targets (32% and 35% respectively), this is a clear sign that mandating of HSR labelling is on its way. 

AFGC action 

It is positive to see many of AFGC’s views and positions from our submission reflected in the summary report, however, it also provides a snapshot of some of the demands from public health and academic stakeholders on extending measures beyond the current HSR system. 

The AFGC will continue to actively engage with FSANZ throughout this process and advocate strongly on behalf of members.  

Contact  

For more information contact Anne-Marie Mackintosh, Associate Director – Nutrition and Regulation anne-marie.mackintosh@afgc.org.au or 0448 170 568. 
 

Dr Duncan Craig  
Director – Nutrition and Regulation