A study by the CSIRO has found that industry self-regulation is failing to reduce the amount of junk food advertising children are exposed to on television.
It found that while there has been no increase in junk food advertising during protected periods, children are watching more television outside of those viewing times, leading to increased exposure to junk food advertising.
The report, commissioned by the South Australian government for SA Health, said that self-regulatory initiatives needed to be redefined to more accurately reflect children's television viewing habits.
The Australian Food and Grocery Council has issued a statement labelling the SA Government's claims that industry self-regulation wasn't working as "totally wrong".
AFGC chief executive Kate Carnell said: "Over the past three years, industry has taken the important step to significantly reduce advertising of HFSS foods to children in all forms of media."
Carnell questioned the television programs used for the study, saying they were family programs and not aimed at children.
"But when children watch TV alone, without supervision, it’s a different matter – during these programs, industry does have a responsibility to advertise healthy foods."
Follow @AdNews on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say?
Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at frankchung@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.