The new Health Star Rating (HSR) labelling system evaluates positive and negative health attributes of food products; and scores them as a series of stars (with a half-star being the lowest and five-star being the highest). HSR provides consumers with a quick visual reference. 

The system came about after the Minstry for Primary Industries (MPI) looked at a number of front-of-pack labelling systems globally in order to evalute fitness for purpose before finally settling for the Health Star Rating (HSR) labelling system as a solution.

In this blog, we look at the ins and outs of this new labelling system.

Are there any other mandatory front-of-pack labelling systems that work globally?

There are not many, however Chile has a mandatory front-of-pack labelling system that is being closely monitored globally which made the evaluation process all the more challenging and an important one for MPI.

So why the Health Star Rating (HSR) labelling system, what happened to the traffic lights concept for food?

The traffic light front-of-pack labelling concept came about as a simple method to signal to consumers the attributes of a food product.

The challenge with the traffic light front-of-pack labelling system is it could still leave the consumer with a decision to make as the traffic lights only highlight the the negative and not the positive attributes of a food product. So basically two products could have the same colour for neagtive attributes such as saturated fats however a customer could end up choosing a product with lower fiber (the high fibre being a positive attribute for the other product)  

What were the challenges that influenced the final decision by MPI to go with Health Star Rating System (HSR)?

• General public struggling with nutritional information
• The current information panels were not quite doing the job
• Different interpretations of front-of-pack labelling
• Developing a meaningful system within food categories
• Coming up with a system that highlighted not only the negative aspects of food but also the positive
  
  

So what is the front-of-pack labelling system based on and how will it generate a star rating?

The front-of-pack labelling system is based on an algorithm that awards between 1/2 and 5 stars, based on the core components of a food product which are in turn based on its energy, nutrients and ingredients levels.

So what is the front-of-pack labelling system mean to me as a consumer?

In simple terms, consumers should look for as close to 5 stars in a food product as possible.

What hierarchy of information is used by the algorithm to award stars?

The energy contained within the product and three prescribed ingredients: saturated fat, sugars and sodium.

As a consumer, how am I reassured about the accuracy of the stars, does MPI verify all labels within the system?

The front-of-pack star labelling (HRS) system is to be used in conjunction with other information. MPI does not verify the accuracy of a claim and leaves this to the market and competitors to act as verifiyers of the system.

So, what types of food products would this front-of-pack star labelling system suit?

The front-of-pack star rating system suits food products that currently uses nutritional panels.

Are there food products this front-of-pack star labelling system will not suit?

Yes, the front-of-pack star labelling system does not suit infant formula, formulated supplements, food for special medical purposes, and alcohol to name a few; as these products do not suit the algorithm.

Can the new front-of-pack labelling system co-exist with other panels such as the heart foundation tick?

Yes, but companies need to be mindful about sufficient space in between so it does not confuse customers.

Would the rules contained in the Food Standards Code 2002 still apply?

Yes, all the rules contained in the Food Standards Code 2002 still apply.

What is the calculation based on in terms of quantities?

Per 100g ; per 100ml or per pack if a single serving of food.

Where can more information be found?

On the MPI website.

We have found the calculator; but how does it work?

Step one: determine the category of food
Step two: determine the form of food
Step three: check the health start rating (HSR) baseline points and then proceed as indicated in the flow charts on this page.

How can a company or product improve its star rating?

The company or product can improve its star rating by boosting quality ingredients, for example – adding fibre, unsaturated fats etc, while also simultaneously reducing negative ingredients such as saturated fats, sugars, sodium etc.

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