The Health Star Rating system is a joint Australian, state and territory governments and New Zealand Government initiative developed in collaboration with industry, public health and consumer groups. The Health Star Rating system has been implemented on a voluntary basis by the food industry since June 2014.
Committees
Several committees are involved in overseeing the implementation of the Health Star Rating system.
Note: Information on committees involved in the development of the Health Star Rating system is available on the Food Regulation website.
The Food Ministers Meeting (FMM) (previously the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation)
The FMM is ultimately responsible for all decisions relating to the Health Star Rating system.
The FMM includes Ministers responsible for food regulation from across Australia and New Zealand and is chaired by the Australian Government Minister responsible for the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Act.
The Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC)
FRSC is a subcommittee of the FMM and is responsible for coordinating the provision of policy advice on the Health Star Rating. FRSC is also responsible for ensuring a consistent approach to the implementation of the Health Star Rating system across Australia and New Zealand.
FRSC membership closely mirrors the Ministers represented at the FMM, and includes senior officials of relevant government Departments responsible for developing food policy.
Health Star Rating Advisory Committee (HSRAC)
A refreshed HSRAC has been convened to implement the changes following the Health Star Rating system five-year review.
The refreshed HSRAC operate in accordance with the Terms of Reference endorsed by FMM, and are responsible for overseeing the day to day implementation of the system and for providing governance support.
The HSRAC is chaired by the Australian Government Department of Health. The renewed HSRAC membership includes the New Zealand government, Australian state and territory governments, Food Standards Australia New Zealand and representatives from the food industry and public health and consumer groups in Australia and New Zealand. HSRAC members are appointed by the FMM.
Full membership of the HSRAC
Communique
On 30 November 2021, the HSRAC agreed to provide a Communiqué following each meeting detailing the decisions made and justification for these.
