TLDRAustralia's food and health ministers have voted to make the Health Star Rating system mandatory on all packaged foods, following years of urging from peak health bodies. The voluntary system, introduced in 2014, was not mandatory and was co-designed with the food industry, leading to limited effectiveness and consumer trust. The rating, from half a star to five stars, is calculated based on an algorithm that factors in seven nutrients, but researchers have warned that food companies have exploited the system to market unhealthy products. The legislation to make the system mandatory will be drafted by Food Standards Australia New Zealand and could take at least 12 months.

Source: The Guardian March 13, 2026 10:10 UTC