Canberra: South Australia has become the first state in Australia to prohibit junk food advertisements on public transport in an effort to combat obesity and encourage healthier eating habits. This ban, set to take effect on July 1, 2025, will prevent the display of unhealthy products such as chocolate, candies, desserts, ice cream, soft drinks, and chips on buses, trains, and trams, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Experts highlight that food and drink marketing significantly influences children’s nutrition knowledge, preferences, and consumption habits, linking it to rising obesity and type 2 diabetes rates. Jane Martin from the Food for Health Alliance emphasized the strong impact of junk food marketing on children’s diets, noting that advertisements should be regulated at the state level. She pointed out that children encounter fast-food marketing frequently during their commutes, suggesting that healthier foods like broccoli and carrots should be promoted instead.
Statistics reveal that over 63% of adults and 35% of children in South Australia are overweight or obese, with projections indicating an increase of 1,900 children and 48,000 adults in this category over the next five years if no action is taken. Currently, nearly 80% of food and drink advertisements on SA buses feature unhealthy options, according to the Cancer Council SA.
The aim of this ban is to lessen exposure to unhealthy food marketing, thereby reducing the purchase of these products. The decision follows a public consultation process involving key stakeholders, including public health organizations, the food and beverage industry, and the advertising sector.