South Australia will become the first state to outlaw junk food advertising on public buses, trains and trams, in a bid to tackle obesity.
The state government will ban images of unhealthy products such as lollies and soft drinks on public transport from July 1.
Recent research commissioned by Preventive Health SA shows that without action, children born in 2023 could see as much as a seven-month reduction in life expectancy because of obesity.
Data from Cancer Council SA shows that almost 80 per cent of food and drink advertisements on South Australian buses promote unhealthy options.
“Each year, big brands spend millions of dollars on catchy slogans and appealing ads to encourage South Australian children to consume more highly processed foods containing high fat, high salt and high sugar,” said SA minister for health Chris Picton.
“Banning these ads in some of the key places they are seen regularly – especially by children – is a sensible step towards a healthier South Australia.”
Picton said food habits and relationships established early in life have a lasting impact on food habits and health outcomes of adults.
“The rising rates of obesity are concerning, which is why we have developed an evidence-based policy to restrict the advertising of unhealthy food and drinks on State Government buses and trams,” he said.
“This policy recognises that the cumulative exposure of unhealthy food and drink advertising influences a child’s food preferences and intake and the associated pester power children use to persuade parents.”
Similar policies have already been implemented in London and Amsterdam.
Cancer Council SA prevention and advocacy manager Christine Morris said minimising unhealthy food and drink advertising can lead to better health outcomes for everyone.
“Our research shows that forming the foundations of positive nutrition preferences in children is a big step in overall cancer prevention,” she said.
“We heartily welcome this ban as a positive move towards a healthier community.”
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