This sticker sorting system has been around for 10 years, and brands are free to join. It’s an option, not a requirement, so few brands are participating.
1. What Is the Health Star Rating System?
The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a joint initiative between the New Zealand and Australian governments, first introduced in 2014. The label rates products from 0.5 to 5 stars based on key nutritional factors such as sugar, sodium, saturated fat, fibre, protein, and the presence of fruits, vegetables, nuts, or legumes.
Currently, HSR is voluntary, which means food companies mostly display it on healthier products, while less healthy options often remain unlabelled .
2. Why Should HSR Be Mandatory in New Zealand?
- Low adoption rate: A University of Auckland study found that only 30% of packaged foods in New Zealand carried HSR labels by mid-2023, far below the 70% target by 2025.
- Health and economic benefits: Professor Cliona Ni Mhurchu of the University of Auckland noted that making HSR mandatory could deliver health gains equal to 24,300 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and save up to NZ$568 million in healthcare costs.
- Support from experts: Health groups such as Health Coalition Aotearoa and The George Institute are strongly urging the government to end the voluntary phase and require HSR on all products.
3. Public and Industry Responses
- Consumer demand for transparency: Surveys in Australia show 66% of shoppers support mandatory HSR, and 65% believe it makes choosing healthier options easier.
- Concerns about reliability: Critics argue the system may mislead consumers because highly processed foods can still score 4–5 stars due to added nutrients, despite being less healthy.
Making the New Zealand food health star rating system mandatory would be a vital step towards healthier eating habits, better consumer awareness, and long-term savings for the public health system. While adjustments to the rating criteria may be needed, mandatory labelling will help ensure fairness and clarity for all consumers.
If you are working in nutrition, food production, or simply want to stay informed about food policy in New Zealand, this is a change worth following closely.
