South Australia has declared a ban on junk food advertising on Adelaide Metro public buses, trains, and trams, effective July 1.
The ban applies to images of ‘unhealthy products’ such as chocolate, lollies, confectionery, desserts, ice creams, soft drinks and chips.
“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,” said Chris Picton, South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing.
“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.”
In a press release, the South Australian government said that around 63.1 per cent of adults and 35.2 per cent of children across the state are overweight or obese.
Based on modelling, the figures are expected to increase by a further 1900 children and 48,000 adults over the next five years.
A Preventive Health SA-commissioned research shows that without action, life expectancy of children born in 2023 could be reduced by as much as seven months due to obesity.
The new policy follows the implementation of similar legislations in London, Amsterdam, and the ACT.
The Cancer Council welcomes the ban, noting that “forming the foundations of positive nutrition preferences in children is a big step in overall cancer prevention.”
