The Health Star Rating is a front-of-pack labelling system that rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged food and assigns it a rating from ½ a star to 5 stars. It provides a quick, easy, standard way to compare similar packaged foods. The more stars, the healthier the choice.

The Health Star Rating system was developed by the Australian Federal, State and Territory governments in collaboration with industry, and public health and consumer groups.

The number of stars is determined using a calculator designed to assess positive and risk nutrients in food (The Health Star Rating Calculator). The algorithm that drives the calculator was developed in consultation with Food Standards Australia & New Zealand and other technical and nutrition experts.

The Health Star Rating system is being implemented from June 2014 on a voluntary basis by the Australian food industry over the next five years, with a review of progress after two years.

Source: www.healthstarrating.gov.au