Mandatory nutrition labels likely as deadline looms

NZ Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle says working with the food industry on policy is sensible. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Cécile Meier

Tue, 13 May 2025

Health Star Ratings could soon be mandatory across New Zealand and Australia. While public health advocates were cheering the idea, parts of the food industry were raising concerns.The Health Star Ratings (HSRs) system, a front-of-pack nutrition label developed jointly by NZ and Australia in 2014, rated food products from 0.5 to 5 stars based on its nutritional value. It was designed to help consumers make healthier choices at a glance, cutting through the marketing spin and complex nutrition panels. Deadline loomingDespite a 20...

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