Australia: Health Star Rating (HSR) System
Australia
Marketing and Regulation, Labelling
National
Citizens/Consumers
Ongoing
Aim: To help consumers make healthier food choices through a voluntary front-of-pack labeling system that rates the overall healthiness of packaged foods. Method: Foods are rated from 0.5 to 5 stars based on their nutritional content, providing an easy-to-understand indicator of healthiness
With the increment of Non-Communicable Diseases, this policy was designed to address the need for clearer food labeling and improve public health.
Managed by the Department of Health with support from industry stakeholders.
Implementation: Widely adopted by manufacturers; labeling is seen on many packaged food products. Results: Enhanced consumer ability to make informed food choices; some reformulation of products to achieve higher ratings.