Alexandra Jones1,2, Anne Marie Thow3, Cliona Ni Mhurchu1,4, Gary Sacks5, Bruce Neal1,6. 1. George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales. 2. Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales. 3. Menzies Centre for Health Policy, The University of Sydney, New South Wales. 4. National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland, New Zealand. 5. School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria. 6. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a front-of-pack nutrition labelling system, implemented voluntarily in Australia and New Zealand since 2014. Our aim was to evaluate HSR's performance. METHOD: We used data from peer-reviewed publications and government-commissioned monitoring and evaluation, websites and communiqués to evaluate HSR's performance between June 2014 and October 2018 using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework. RESULTS: Thirty-three peer-reviewed publications, 21 government and three independent reports informed the assessment. Awareness and trust in HSR was increasing, though campaign reach remained low. Consumers liked, could understand and use the HSR logo, though effects on purchasing were largely unknown. The algorithm was the focus of a formal review. HSR was present on 20-28% of products but biased to those that scored better (HSR≥3.0). Necessary stakeholders were mostly engaged. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial body of work supports continuation and strengthening of HSR. Reasonable refinements to HSR's star graphic and algorithm, action to initiate mandatory implementation, and strengthened HSR governance present the clearest opportunities for improving public health impact. Implications for public health: Development and implementation of government-led front-of-pack nutrition labelling systems have the potential to improve public health, while engaging a diverse set of stakeholders.
OBJECTIVE: The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a front-of-pack nutrition labelling system, implemented voluntarily in Australia and New Zealand since 2014. Our aim was to evaluate HSR's performance. METHOD: We used data from peer-reviewed publications and government-commissioned monitoring and evaluation, websites and communiqués to evaluate HSR's performance between June 2014 and October 2018 using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework. RESULTS: Thirty-three peer-reviewed publications, 21 government and three independent reports informed the assessment. Awareness and trust in HSR was increasing, though campaign reach remained low. Consumers liked, could understand and use the HSR logo, though effects on purchasing were largely unknown. The algorithm was the focus of a formal review. HSR was present on 20-28% of products but biased to those that scored better (HSR≥3.0). Necessary stakeholders were mostly engaged. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial body of work supports continuation and strengthening of HSR. Reasonable refinements to HSR's star graphic and algorithm, action to initiate mandatory implementation, and strengthened HSR governance present the clearest opportunities for improving public health impact. Implications for public health: Development and implementation of government-led front-of-pack nutrition labelling systems have the potential to improve public health, while engaging a diverse set of stakeholders.
Authors: Xiong-Fei Pan; Dianna J Magliano; Miaobing Zheng; Maria Shahid; Fraser Taylor; Chantal Julia; Cliona Ni Mhurchu; An Pan; Jonathan E Shaw; Bruce Neal; Jason H Y Wu Journal: Curr Dev Nutr Date: 2020-10-14
Authors: Laura Vergeer; Lana Vanderlee; Mavra Ahmed; Beatriz Franco-Arellano; Christine Mulligan; Kacie Dickinson; Mary R L'Abbé Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2020-05-11 Impact factor: 3.295