Australian lawmakers push for nationwide ban on junk food ads to fight rising obesity rates

The Australian Greens political parties have called for the government to issue a federal ban on junk food advertisements, citing concerns for the health of children.The fresh call comes after the Malinauskas government in South Australia introduced a policy banning the advertisement of unhealthy food and drink on public transport.Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young on Monday welcomed the state’s move but said “it needs to go further.”“If a ban on junk food ads on buses, trains and trams can make a difference then a ban on TV and online ads is absolutely vital to really drive change,” Sen.Hanson-Young said.“Without federal intervention, our kids will still be bombarded with junk food ads every time they turn on the TV or go online.”Seemingly referring to the social media ban for children under 16, Sen.

Hanson-Young said “if the Albanese Labor government is serious about protecting our kids online, then they will follow SA’s lead and commit to a junk food ad ban ahead of the next election.”The wide range of food and drink listed in South Australia’s policy as “not recommended for promotion” include muesli bars, potato chips, flavored mineral waters and processed meats.The policy will apply from July 1 on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams, and is the first ban of its kind in an Australian state.A similar policy has been in place for buses in the ACT from 2015.Comparable in scope is the federal ban on advertising tobacco products, progressively enacted since the 1970s due to health concerns from smoking.

The ban has since been expanded to include e-cigarette products.South Australian Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton said the junk food policy “tackles the harmful influence of unhealthy food marketing on kids’ preferences and eating habits.”“Obesity rates are rising around Australia, and it is now the number one public health issue – overtaking tobacco,” he said.Preventive Health South Australia predicts without ac...