Australia and New Zealand Propose Mandatory Health Ratings
Food regulators are seeking public input on a proposal to require standardized nutritional labeling on packaged food products.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Nutrition
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand has launched a second public consultation on a proposal to make Health Star Rating labels mandatory for most retail food products. The revised plan updates labeling requirements for formulated supplementary foods and adjusts specific ingredient disclosure rules.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to standardize nutritional transparency across the retail food sector to help consumers make more informed dietary choices. By refining the regulatory framework, the agency seeks to balance comprehensive labeling with practical implementation for food manufacturers.
Proposal P1067 outlines new labeling standards for the majority of packaged retail foods currently sold in the region. The agency is now evaluating draft amendments to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to finalize these requirements.
The players
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
This is a binational government agency responsible for developing and maintaining the Food Standards Code for Australia and New Zealand.
The details
The updated proposal now includes formulated supplementary foods, though it excludes products intended for young children. Additionally, the revisions remove the previous requirements to list the specific percentages of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, as well as the calcium content used in the rating calculations.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The agency opened the second public consultation on Proposal P1067.
December 23, 2026: The public submission period for the proposal will close.
The Big Picture
This proposal functions as a formal amendment to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which serves as the foundational regulatory framework for food safety and labeling in the region. It marks a significant shift toward standardized transparency for packaged food products sold across both countries.
The potential adoption of mandatory Health Star Rating labels would provide shoppers with a consistent, at-a-glance guide to the nutritional profile of packaged items. This change is designed to simplify healthy food selection in grocery aisles, though specific ingredient disclosures for some categories will be reduced.
The takeaway
Consumers can contribute to the final design of these labeling standards by submitting feedback before the December deadline. Keeping an eye on these regulatory updates can help individuals better understand how nutritional information is displayed on their preferred grocery products.
What happens next
Public submissions regarding the proposed labeling changes are being accepted until December 23, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on current dietary guidelines and food policies, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ChemLinked.
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Should government agencies mandate Health Star Rating labels on most packaged retail food products?
