A trans-Tasman system
The Health Star Rating (HSR) system is a joint initiative between the New Zealand and Australian state and territory governments. It was developed along with the food industry, public health and consumer groups.
Who's responsible for the New Zealand system?
New Zealand Food Safety (a business unit of MPI) administers the HSR system in New Zealand. We:
- work with New Zealand food manufacturers to help them use HSRs on their products
- help industry understand the rules around using HSRs
- monitor implementation of the system in New Zealand.
Committees implementing the system
A number of committees guide the use of the voluntary HSR system.
Australia and New Zealand Food Ministers
The Food Ministers' Meeting is made up of ministers responsible for food from across Australia and New Zealand. The group includes the New Zealand Minister for Food Safety and is chaired by Australia's Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.
Food Regulation Standing Committee
The Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) supports the Food Ministers' Meeting by coordinating policy advice. FRSC is made up of senior Australian and New Zealand government officials. The FRSC also makes sure food standards are consistently enforced.
Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC)
Health Star Rating Advisory Committee
The trans-Tasman Health Star Rating Advisory Committee (HSRAC) oversees day-to-day implementation of the HSR system.
The committee includes representatives from:
- industry
- government
- consumers, and
- public health.
New Zealand holds 3 of the 10 seats.
Health Star Rating Advisory Committee – Health Star Rating
New Zealand Health Star Rating Advisory Group
The New Zealand Health Star Rating Advisory Group was chaired by MPI. It included people from:
- the food industry
- universities
- public health, and
- consumer groups.
In 2012, a New Zealand advisory group on front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) was appointed by the Minister for Food Safety. It was renamed the New Zealand Health Star Rating Advisory Group.
New Zealand Front of Pack Labelling Advisory Group Final Report to the Minister for Food Safety [PDF, 481 KB]
In 2014, the group looked at the Australian-developed HSR system. It agreed the system matched their principles. The HSR system was implemented in New Zealand from June 2014.
Who to contact
If you have questions about Health Star Ratings, email info@mpi.govt.nz
