The South Australian Government is set to ban “junk food” advertising on Adelaide Metro buses, trains, and trams from 1 July 2025.
Data from Cancer Council SA shows that almost 80 per cent of food and drink advertisements on South Australian buses promote unhealthy food and drinks such as such as chocolate, lollies, confectionery, desserts, ice creams, soft drinks and chips.
Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, said 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.
“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.
“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.
“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 2024, overweight and obesity attributed to the burden of over 30 diseases and accounted for 8.3 percent of total disease burden in Australia, with obesity overtaking tobacco as the leading risk factor contributing to disease burden in Australia.
Preventive Health SA, in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, are leading the implementation of this policy which aims to reduce exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing which is associated with a reduction in the purchase of these products.
Marina Bowshall, CEO of Preventive Health SA, said unhealthy diets continue to be a leading public health risk.
“Reducing exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing, promotion, and sponsorship, especially children’s exposure, is a focus for Preventive Health SA and is a key priority within the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032.”
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