Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is consulting on whether packaged food manufacturers should be required by law to display a Health Star Rating, after voluntary uptake targets were not met.
FSANZ has opened submissions on Proposal P1067, which examines whether the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code should be amended to mandate front-of-pack Health Star Rating (HSR) labelling on packaged foods sold in Australia and New Zealand. Submissions close on 21 June 2026.
The proposal follows a February 2026 request from the Food Ministers’ Meeting, which directed FSANZ to assess mandatory HSR requirements after the system’s voluntary uptake targets were not achieved.
The HSR system, which assigns packaged foods a star rating based on their overall nutritional profile, has operated on a voluntary basis since its introduction, with industry participation falling short of government benchmarks.
FSANZ CEO, Dr Sandra Cuthbert, said the assessment draws on consumer research, technical analysis and prior stakeholder consultation.
“The evidence shows that interpretive front-of-pack labelling can support consumers to better understand the nutritional profile of foods and make more informed choices,” Cuthbert said.
“It also indicates that a more consistent approach across the food supply could improve comparability of information and strengthen consumer confidence in labelling.”
For food and beverage manufacturers, the proposal represents a significant potential shift in packaging obligations. If FSANZ progresses to draft regulatory measures, businesses across Australia and New Zealand would need to calculate, display and maintain HSR compliance across their packaged product ranges, with implications for labelling design, product reformulation decisions and packaging changeover costs.
FSANZ is seeking submissions from consumers, public health organisations, industry, enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. Cuthbert described consultation feedback as playing “a central role in informing next steps, including whether we progress to draft regulatory measures.”
A series of webinars will be held during the consultation period to support stakeholder understanding of the proposal and the approaches under consideration.
Submissions on Proposal P1067 can be lodged via the FSANZ Consultation Hub by 21 June 2026.
