Australia Mandates Health Star Ratings

The Health Star Rating system will soon be compulsory for all packaged foods sold in Australia, following a decision by government ministers who concluded the voluntary system was ineffective. Introduced in 2014, the front-of-pack nutrition label was intended to help consumers compare products but was not mandatory. This allowed food manufacturers to selectively use the ratings, primarily on products that scored well.

As the voluntary system only achieved just over a third (37%) uptake, falling short of the 70% target set for November 14, 2025, ministers have now voted to mandate it. The food regulatory agency, FSANZ, has been tasked with drafting the necessary legislation. Health organizations, including the AMA and the George Institute for Global Health, have praised the decision as a significant step towards enhancing Australia's food labeling and public health.

Experts anticipate that drafting the legislation could take at least 12 months. This extended timeline provides an opportunity to review and potentially revise the algorithm used for calculating ratings, aiming to close loopholes that have allowed some unhealthy, ultra-processed foods to inflate their scores. Discussions around incorporating the upcoming revised dietary guidelines, which may address ultra-processing, are also underway to further refine the system.