The star rating on food is now mandatory – but some experts think we should scrap it altogether

State and federal ministers have agreed to make the health star label mandatory, but legislation will take about a year to draft and approve. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Almost 13 years ago – and after a decade-long battle between health experts and the food industry – state and federal ministers voted to introduce a health star rating system to help consumers make healthier food choices.

It was voluntary, thanks to the food industry being at the bargaining table and the decision-makers being largely food, trade and agriculture ministers (rather than health).