In the rhythm of everyday life, a simple glimpse at a package of food can mean little more than a choice between sweetness and saltiness, price and preference. Yet for many, that moment of choice also carries an unspoken wish — that what we eat will nourish rather than harm. In Australia, an emblem of trust — the Health Star Rating — has adorned some food packages for years, offering a shorthand for nutritional value. But with voluntary uptake falling well short of expectations, food ministers are now gently steering that guiding star toward a place on every packaged product. What was once optional may soon become a quiet fixture on supermarket shelves, a small symbol with the potential to shape daily decisions for millions.
At a meeting of Australian and New Zealand food ministers this week, a majority of states and territories signalled that they favour progressing a plan to make the Health Star Rating system mandatory on all packaged food products. This move follows disappointing voluntary uptake, with only around a third of eligible products displaying a rating — far below the government’s target of 70 per cent by late 2025.
Assistant Health Minister Rebecca White noted that the current voluntary approach had not achieved its intended reach, leaving many shoppers without easy, at‑a‑glance guidance on the nutritional profile of foods they buy. Supporters of mandating the system argue that compulsory stars on packs would ensure that consumers are offered clear, consistent information across the full range of products. Public health advocates also suggest that expanding the system could help close loopholes where manufacturers selectively label higher‑scoring items, leaving less‑healthy products unmarked.
Critics of the current voluntary system — including some nutrition experts — say it has not kept pace with the evolving food landscape, where ultra‑processed foods form a significant part of the average diet and where label consistency matters more than ever. Meanwhile, industry groups have previously emphasised the value of processing for food safety, affordability and accessibility, while urging caution about rigid mandates.
As food ministers move closer to formalising a proposal, the next year will be critical in shaping the future of nutrition labelling in Australia. Officials have indicated that a formal proposal to mandate the Health Star Rating system may be developed before a final decision is expected around this time next year. Whatever path is taken, the discussion reflects a broader question facing many societies: how to balance consumer choice, industry practice and public health in a way that supports informed, healthier decisions every day.
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Sources :
ABC News Health.gov.au (Australian Government media release) NT News Herald Sun 9News