27 Jun 2014

NZ adopts new food labelling system

9:57 pm on 27 June 2014

New Zealand is to adopt a new food labelling system.

Nikki Kaye.

Nikki Kaye. Photo: SUPPLIED

Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye said on Friday the Government will be adopting a new Health Star Rating food labelling system developed for Australia and New Zealand.

The voluntary system uses a star rating scale of half to five stars - the more stars, the higher the nutritional value. It can be used on all packaged food products except alcohol.

Ms Kaye said she hopes to see the first Health Star labels on products within six to 12 months.

The system will help New Zealanders make healthy food choices and encourage manufacturers to change their products to be healthier, she said.