Health groups call for changes to junk food advertising rules

Annika Smethurst
Herald Sun
November 12, 2012

LEADING health groups have called on state and federal governments to once again overhaul junk food advertising.

The Obesity Policy Coalition, which includes the Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia and VicHealth, has called for legislative change to restrict the marketing and advertising of junk food to children.

An investigation by the OPC found limited evidence that advertising rules reduced children’s exposure to unhealthy food, and little enforcement of the rules.

OPC executive manager Jane Martin said the advertising code had failed to protect children.

“The codes themselves are seriously flawed; administration and enforcement of the codes are inadequate; and finally, despite the food industry introducing more codes two years ago, there is no evidence any of these have reduced children’s exposure to unhealthy food advertising,” Ms Martin said.

The investigation also found major inconsistencies in decision-making by agencies in charge of reviewing advertising standards.

Ms Martin said the food industry had been given the opportunity to self-regulate but it was now time for tougher action.

“Legislation to comprehensively restrict junk food marketing and advertising would be one of the most effective and cost-effective interventions to address the childhood overweight and obesity crisis,” she said.

A Victorian Government spokesman said it was committed to working with the public to tackle preventable diseases, obesity, and chronic illness, and to promote healthier lifestyles.