Food regulators will make Health Star Ratings compulsory if the industry fails to reach 70 per cent voluntary uptake by November next year.
The move has been welcomed by leading public health groups VicHealth, Food for Health Alliance, and The George Institute for Global Health.
A recent federal government inquiry was what sparked the potential implementation of these new rules.
As it stands, only 32 per cent of products on Australian shelves carry a rating, well below the interim target of 50 per cent by November 14 2023.
VicHealth chief executive Dr Sandro Demaio said making the system mandatory would be a win for the health and wellbeing of Australian families.
“The Health Star Rating system is designed to help Australians cut through marketing spin to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. But the system can’t effectively inform consumers unless it’s mandatory across all product categories,” she said.
“Major food companies have had 10 years to comply with their own voluntary targets and have failed dismally. We welcome moves by food ministers to prioritise the health and wellbeing of Australian consumers and make industry accountable.”
Food for Health Alliance executive manager Jane Martin said Australians deserve clear and transparent labels on the foods they’re buying.
“Our research has found that three in four Australians want the Government to mandate health stars being displayed on the front of all packaged food and drinks,” she said.
“This commitment by Ged Kearney and Food Ministers to mandate the system is an important step to empower consumers to make more informed decisions for their health.”
