Junk food advertising ban coming to public transport

Nathan Jolly

January 6, 2025 10:23

Junk food advertising ban coming to public transport

Images of unhealthy products such as chocolate bars, soft drinks, and fast food will be banned from public transport, in a nation-first move from the Labor Government.

From 1 July 2025, advertising for junk food will not be permitted on Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams, a move the Malinauskas Labor Government says is designed to tackle the growing obesity problem in the state, after research found over a third of all South Australian children are overweight or obese.

Recent research commissioned by Preventive Health SA shows that without action, children born in 2023 could see as much as a seven-month reduction in life expectancy because of obesity.

Data from Cancer Council SA shows that almost 80% of food and drink advertisements on South Australian buses advertises unhealthy food and drinks.

“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,” explains Chris Picton, SA Minister for Health.

“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.”

Picton said food habits and relationships established early in life “have a lasting impact” on the health outcomes of adults.

“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,” Picton said.

“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.”

Cancer Council SA’s prevention and advocacy manager, Christine Morris, said minimising unhealthy food and drink advertising can lead to better health outcomes for everyone.

“Our research shows that forming the foundations of positive nutrition preferences in children is a big step in overall cancer prevention.

“We heartily welcome this ban as a positive move towards a healthier community.”