Eating healthy these days can feel like an uphill battle, especially when we’re constantly surrounded by advertisements promoting tempting but unhealthy foods.
From billboards to bus stops, it’s hard to escape the lure of sugary snacks, fast food, and processed treats that bombard us daily. This constant exposure can make sticking to nutritious choices even more challenging.
Now, a recent move in one state to ban the advertising of unhealthy food and drinks on buses and trains has ignited a national discussion.
From 1 July, South Australians will notice a significant change on their daily commute: no more ads for chocolate bars, soft drinks, chips, ice creams—or even that humble ham and salad sandwich—on buses, trains, and trams.
The state government’s new policy aims to reduce exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising, especially for children, in a bid to tackle rising rates of obesity.
The ban covers a wide range of products, including:
- Processed meats (like ham)
- Confectionery and lollies
- Desserts and ice creams
- Soft drinks and sugary beverages
- Potato chips and other salty snacks
The statistics are sobering: 63 per cent of adults and 35 per cent of children in South Australia (SA) are overweight or obese, according to government figures.
Health Minister Chris Picton said the move is a ‘sensible step’ towards a healthier state, pointing out that food habits formed in childhood often last a lifetime.
‘Cumulative exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising influences a child’s food preferences and intake, and the associated “pester power” children use to persuade parents,’ he said.
Cancer Council SA’s Christine Morris also supported the ban: ‘Minimising unhealthy food and drink advertising can lead to better health outcomes for everyone.’
But not everyone is on board. The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has labelled the move a ‘blanket ban’ that goes too far.
‘As it stands, this policy bans all processed meats, which means a simple ham salad sandwich can’t be advertised,’ he said.
‘This simply doesn’t make sense, and the government should be making evidence-based decisions, not blanket bans that don’t align with nutritional science.’
The ban could also impact advertising for events like Tasting Australia, which often features images of charcuterie boards, pastries, and other foods now deemed off-limits.
The AANA warned that even businesses unrelated to food and drink may find advertising harder if their ads include restricted items.
What does the science say?
There’s strong evidence that advertising influences children’s food choices and consumption.
The World Health Organization and public health experts worldwide have long called for restrictions on junk food marketing to children, especially in environments where they spend a lot of time, like public transport and schools.
However, critics argue that not all foods in the banned categories are equally unhealthy, and that a more targeted approach could be more effective and less disruptive.
South Australia isn’t alone in considering such measures. The Australian Capital Territory introduced similar restrictions in 2015, and countries like the United Kingdom, Norway, and Chile have also implemented bans or restrictions on junk food advertising in public spaces and on children’s television.
Do you support South Australia’s ban on unhealthy food and drink ads on public transport? Have you noticed the impact of food advertising on your choices, or those of your children or grandchildren? Share with us your insights in the comments below.
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