Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for submissions as part of its review of the Health Start Rating (HSR) and Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) systems.
In the latest Food Ministers’ Meeting communiqué (15 November), they said this was to be a priority for FSANZ and that they recognised the NIP was a “trusted and valued” nutrition label tool for consumers.
“The review will be undertaken in parallel with FSANZ’s preparatory work to inform ministers’ future decision-making on mandating the HSR system.
“This provides a unique opportunity to improve nutrition labelling on the front HSR and back NIP of packaged foods to support consumers to make healthier food choices,” the communiqué said.
The Health Star Rating has moved towards a business-as-usual phase. A simplified and proportionate governance structure will support the ongoing work in exploring mandating the system, the ministers said.
Ministers agreed to delegate oversight of the Health Star Rating Advisory Committee (HSRAC) to Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) and supported a revised Terms of Reference.
FSANZ will examine the available evidence base and undertake broad stakeholder consultation to inform the review. The review scope may change based on any identified evidence and issues.
More information is at the Consultation Hub, with comments submitted by 17 January.
