Introduced as a voluntary front-of-pack labelling scheme, the Health Star Rating system was designed to support healthier consumer purchasing decisions by providing a simple, interpretive nutrition guide. However, the scheme has fallen short of its original uptake target. While the goal was for 70% of eligible packaged foods to display a Health Star Rating by November 2025, current adoption sits at approximately 37%, raising concerns about its effectiveness as a public health tool under a voluntary model. 

The Health Star Rating algorithm assesses key nutrients of concern, including sugar, sodium, and saturated fat, to generate an overall score. As Australia’s food landscape evolves, particularly with the growth of ultra-processed foods, there are increasing calls to change the system to better account for levels of processing, including additives.  

In the key outcomes announced from the Food Ministers meeting from the 13th of February, recognised that this low uptake has reduced the system’s effectiveness and undermined consumer trust. In response, the majority of ministers requested FSANZ to prepare a formal proposal to mandate the HSR in the Food Standards Code.  FSANZ will run two rounds of public consultation before reporting back with a final proposal. Ministers also agreed to publish reports on HSR uptake and consumer research to boost transparency and confidence.  

In support of the initiative, all packaged food products to display a Health Star Rating would enhance transparency and empower consumers. With limited time to interpret nutrition information during routine shopping, many Australians benefit from clear guidance rather than complex nutrition panels and ingredient lists. 

For many brands, this will involve calculating ratings and may involve in the future recalculating pending algorithm discussion, updating packaging, managing regulatory compliance, and coordinating artwork rollouts across multiple SKUs. We work closely with suppliers to navigate Health Star Rating requirements, from calculating accurate ratings and assessing reformulation opportunities through to managing label updates and implementation across product ranges.

If your business would like support in adding or updating Health Star Ratings for your products, we are available to assist through every stage of the process. 

The government intends to strengthen existing voluntary food labelling arrangements with a reform into the development of an Industry Code of Practice for plant-based food labelling. The code is designed to go beyond current guidance by providing clearer expectations for how plant-based and alternative protein products should be labelled to support consumer choice and transparency. 

The reform aims to ensure that consumers should be able to clearly identify their protein source, emphasising the importance of clear and informative food labelling. The key objectives to include in the reform include discouraging animal imagery on packaging that may confuse consumers, limiting the use of meat-specific terminology without clear qualifiers, and improving the prominence of plant-based protein labelling terminology (“legume protein”). 

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has undertaken consumer and market research examining how Australian shoppers interpret plant-based labelling. The research did find that most consumers can accurately identify plant-based products and understand their composition, and are confident about how these products are intended to be used.  

Despite the results, the meat and livestock sectors want a compulsory regulatory framework. The industry voices that voluntary codes lack enforcement power, and stronger, mandated rules are needed to prevent misleading practices and protect consumers and primary producers.  

For businesses developing or marketing plant-based foods, navigating labelling requirements can be complex, particularly around ingredient declarations and product naming.

Our team offers specialist support in helping ensure labels align with regulations while remaining clear, accurate and consumer-friendly. From label reviews to claims and terminology assessments, we partner with you to reduce regulatory risk and support confident market entry. 

To help businesses respond, FSANZ has developed the Average Energy Content Calculator for alcoholic beverages. The calculator assists manufacturers in calculating the average energy content of packaged alcoholic beverages to prepare a compliant energy statement.  

The calculator allows you to determine average energy content by entering the core values required to develop your compliant energy statement. For each product, you will require the core information of:  

• Average alcohol content  

• Specific gravity  

• Serving size  

• Number of standard drinks per package 

• Number of servings per package 

Composition data (if applicable), expressed in g per 100 g: 

• Sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, mannitol, lactitol, isomalt, glycerol) 

• Carbohydrate 

• Fat 

• Protein 

• Fibre  

• Organic acids 

For many alcohol producers, particularly those with flavoured beverages, RTDs, liqueurs, or with added carbohydrate ingredients, this step may require an analytical laboratory analysis. 

We are already working with alcohol manufacturers and importers to prepare for these changes. Our services include: 

• Determining an energy statement on pack 

• Assisting in calculating compliant average energy values 

• Preparing labels and specifications to comply with the updated legislation  

• Conducting full label compliance reviews against the Code 

• Liaising where analytical verification is needed 

• Advising on artwork layout and regulatory positioning 

Don’t leave compliance till the last minute with early action allowing you to integrate changes to be a leading brand in the industry, avoid non-compliant stock and reduce regulatory risk. Contact us to today to assist you efficiently with the required changes today.

Industry services that monitor compliance of accredited schemes highlighted deficiencies in how sensitive ecosystems were identified at a major plantation site. Local landholders and researchers warn that endangered species habitat has potentially been compromised where certification audits failed to recognise key ecological features.

Industry bodies are defending the strength of the certification frameworks, such as the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and emphasising ongoing improvements in impact assessment and compliance processes. However, academic commentary argues that systemic reform is needed to ensure that certifications align with conservation outcomes and regulatory expectations across the sector.

To combat this threat to biodiversity, an urgent reform is being requested for Australia’s certification scheme to protect the areas. High standards are required to protect threatened species and align this with certification bodies through strengthening assessments following a strong and ethical supply chain.

Prospects for forest biodiversity conservation in Australia are expected to develop over the next decade. In the meantime, we will keep you updated on any reforms. Our services provide FSC certification checking to support businesses in managing claims and strengthening environmental credibility.  By assessing alignment between FSC requirements, we assist organisations in verifying due diligence and corrective actions to meet high environmental and governance standards.

In the UK, convenience retailer Co-op has launched a new own-brand range of “GLP-1 friendly” ready meals, marking a retail first in the convenience sector. The meals are designed for smaller appetites but higher nutrient density, providing protein, fibre and at least two portions of fruit and vegetables per serving. These products reflect the changing eating patterns of individuals using appetite-suppressing medications, and price promotions aim to support accessibility for a broad customer base.

For regulators and industry stakeholders in Australia, these developments point to a transforming food landscape driven by pharmacologically altered appetite patterns.  There may be opportunities for innovation in meal solutions and functional foods that align with these emerging consumer needs, without compromising nutritional quality. As consumer demand evolves, standards around nutritional labelling, health claims and “GLP-1 friendly” marketing may require closer scrutiny to ensure clarity and compliance.

As GLP-1 weight-loss medications influence consumer eating patterns, food businesses may need to begin researching entering this emerging market. 

Our food regulatory services help manufacturers and retailers navigate these changes, ensuring labels and health claims remain compliant while supporting innovation in supporting nutrient and portion-appropriate foods.

After several years of disruption following the collapse of the REDcycle collection program in 2022, soft plastics recycling is returning. Collected soft plastics from supermarket and council collection trials are shredded, sorted and sent to manufacturers for reuse in new products, a key step toward rebuilding infrastructure that was long missing from Australia’s waste system.

A renewed industry-led effort is underway through Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA), backed by major retailers and brands. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted authorisation for a nationwide voluntary recycling scheme that aims to coordinate collection, processing and end-market development for soft plastic packaging.

Despite these developments, significant concerns persist about the viability and scale of current recycling pathways and the broader packaging ecosystem The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) have called for urgent federal action to introduce stronger regulatory measures on packaging design, recycled content and extended producer responsibility (EPR).

Industry modelling suggests that ensuring all packaging is recyclable, made with recycled material and supported by a fee-based EPR framework would boost local economic activity, create jobs, and significantly reduce plastic waste and emissions, all with minimal impact on product costs.

Only a small fraction of Australia’s 1.3 million tonnes of annual plastic packaging currently contains recycled content, and without mandated standards, cheap virgin imports continue to dominate the market, weakening demand for recycled material.

For operations in Australia, remaining updated with these developments is signalling a transition point for improvements and collection with clear and consistent regulatory frameworks for recyclable-ready design, recycled content uptake and genuine circular outcomes.

Our packaging regulatory services support businesses to navigate this transition, guiding packaging compliance, sustainability claims, recycled content obligations and upcoming reform to prepare for a tightly regulated circular economy.

Recent provenance research reinforces just how critical origin and documentation verification has become. As Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)  scientists highlight, authenticity can only be proven when traceability is backed by reliable data. Researchers rely on authentic samples to build environmental fingerprint databases — the scientific evidence needed to validate where a product truly comes from. Without trustworthy records and data, even advanced analytical tools, such as a handheld XRF (X-ray fluorescent) scanner, cannot confirm provenance. 

Despite this, many businesses remain reluctant to confront food fraud due to fears of reputational damage or potential profit loss. Consumers expect authenticity, transparency and accurate origin claims, and any breach of trust can have long-term consequences. 

With rising cases of document forgery, certificates, supplier declarations and product specifications can no longer be accepted at face value. Strengthening documentation controls is essential which includes systematic PIF reviews, cross-checking certificates against issuing-body databases, validating expiry and authenticity, and conducting audits to identify discrepancies early. Checking traceability and provenance should be a standard practice, ensuring every claim — “100% Australian,” “Organic,” “Sustainably Sourced,” “FSC Certified” — is backed by genuine, verifiable evidence. 

Independent verification is becoming a critical layer of protection. If your business needs support reviewing certificates or validating authenticity, our team MSAC Solutions can be of assistance.  

Authenticity starts with trusted documentation and trusted partners. 

The five key focus areas include: 

1. Packaging Standards & Design delivering updated and strengthened Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPGs) 
2. ARL continuity to uplift and strengthen the system 
3. Reporting & Packaging Data to simplify annual reporting and improve data tools
4. EPR and Soft Plastic Stewardship for supporting soft plastic stewardship through SPSA
5. Government Relations for expanded engagement with states and territories 

CEO Chris Foley’s message focuses on strengthening advocacy, seeking greater regulatory compliance, and supporting and protecting industry leadership through transitions. APCO is committing to advocate directly for practical national regulatory reform. 

Delivering a circular economy requires significant investment, better recycling infrastructure, improved data systems, and consistent cross-jurisdiction regulation. The SOI is part of the strategy to coordinate these changes. For consumers, success depends on more than industry, it will also require accessible recycling systems, consistent and clear labelling, and community uptake of reuse and recycling behaviours. 

APCO thanks their members, stakeholders and partners for their commitment towards improving Australia’s packaging system and looks forward to building a consistent, effective and circular packaging system for Australia.  

1. Energy Labelling on Alcoholic Beverages
FSANZ approved Proposal P1059 is now enforced, introducing mandatory energy labelling on most packaged alcoholic beverages sold in Australia and New Zealand. 

The pictured standardised energy statement, is to include energy content per serving, energy content per 100 mL, number of servings per package, the serving size and number of standard drinks per serving.  

2. Nutrition Panel and Health Star Rating Process Updates
FSANZ is actively reviewing the Health Star Rating (HSR) system and Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) to improve clarity, parallel integration, and support healthier food choices. The aim is to align both systems for clearer, more consistent communication. Changes are expected in early 2026 and will consider public support, regulatory costs, and supporting evidence. 

3. Soft Plastics Scheme Given Greenlight

The ACCC has officially authorised Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia (SPSA) to roll out a national, industry-led soft plastics stewardship scheme, a big step forward for Australia’s soft plastics recovery and circularity efforts. The ACCC has granted an eight-year authorisation, setting the foundation for a more reliable national approach to soft plastics stewardship. 

4. US Bans Artificial Colours 
In April 2025, the U.S. announced a ban on certain artificial food dyes due to health concerns, particularly for children. The U.S. move aligns with stricter regulations seen in the UK and EU, and a similar approach may follow in Australia. 

5. SPF Recalls
A growing number of SPF product recalls in Australia from the TGA investigations revealing that several popular sunscreens failed to meet their labelled SPF 50/50+ claims. Independent testing by CHOICE triggered the review, uncovering that multiple products, many sharing the same base formulation, were delivering significantly lower protection, with some performing as low as SPF 4. The TGA continues to assess affected products, and further regulatory action remains possible as the investigation progresses. 

6. Container Deposit Scheme Success
Container deposit schemes have been considered a success in Australia, with plans to continue growing the scheme. With all seven other states and territories in the country already offering CDSs, this launch makes Australia the first continent to be fully covered by deposit return.  

7. Greenwashing Continues
The ACCC has made misleading environmental claims a compliance & enforcement priority. The ACCC is likely to intensify enforcement in this area. As noted, greenwashing is now an active compliance priority. Businesses should keep an eye on their environmental claims and make sure their marketing and packaging are aligned.  

James joins MSAC from Boparan Manufacturing Group, a leading UK food manufacturer, where he served as Technical Director, partnering with major UK retailers on fresh food technical initiatives. His career includes roles at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets as Director of Technical for Fresh Foods, leading fresh food strategies during Brexit and COVID-19; Coles Group as Head of Quality and Responsible Sourcing, driving quality and ethical sourcing programs; and Tesco US’s Fresh & Easy, overseeing technical and innovation. With a Master of Science in Food Science from the University of Bristol, and extensive global experience, James excels in quality assurance, brand management, ESG, and strategic innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome James Whittaker as our new COO,” said Andy McKie, Managing Director of MSAC. “After ten years of consistent growth and building loyal customers, MSAC is excited for this next season of international expansion. James’s expertise and leadership experience will be instrumental in advancing MSAC’s legacy of excellence with renewed energy, expanded services and a deeper commitment to innovative solutions and mission to being the best global innovation led technical and systems service provider.”

James added “I am excited to join MSAC, and I look forward to driving operational excellence and innovation for our global clients.”

Please join us in welcoming James Whittaker to MSAC as he steps into this pivotal role.