The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) believes blanket bans on advertising for the food and beverage industry are not going to solve child obesity and will lead to job losses during difficult economic times.
This statement comes following a call from lobby group Food for Health Alliance which welcomed a federal private member’s bill that would restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising during set times on TV and radio, and at all times online.
The AANA says reducing childhood obesity is an important issue that requires a wholistic approach involving education, parental guidance, promotion of healthy eating habits and encouragement of physical activity.
AANA CEO Josh Faulks said the advertising industry recognises community concerns around childhood obesity and the role advertising plays that is Australia has some of the strongest rules in the world around food and beverage advertising to children.
"[We} are proud of nearly 100 per cent compliance rate with decisions made by the independent complaints handling body, Ad Standards. With strong rules already in place, blanket advertising bans are unnecessary and will cause job losses across multiple sectors as we face into significant economic headwinds," Faulks said.
The Food & Beverages Advertising Code prohibits the targeting of children (under 15 years of age) with ads for occasional food and beverages. This restriction applies to all advertising, across all media channels, at all times of the day.
The code also imposes specific restrictions on the placement of occasional food and beverage ads. They are prohibited during children's content, C or P rated programs, within a 150-meter radius of schools, or when the proportion of adults in the total audience is less than 75%.
The food and beverage industry directly and indirectly employs hundreds of thousands of Australians across multiple sectors including restaurants, takeaway food services and primary producers such as poultry, meat and grain. A ban of advertising across some parts of the industry will lead to reductions in sales and subsequent job losses across the supply chain.
The AANA and the advertising industry remain committed to working with the government to reduce childhood obesity.
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