Adelaide Metro to ban junk food advertising
'We know that minimising unhealthy food and drink advertising can lead to better health outcomes for everyone.'
From 1 July, 2025, junk food advertising will be banned across Adelaide's buses, trains, and trams as part of a bold South Australian government initiative to combat rising obesity rates. The policy, a first of its kind in Australia, will outlaw promotions for unhealthy products like soft drinks, confectionery, and chips on public transport.
Health Minister Chris Picton said the policy aims to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food advertising, which data shows makes up nearly 80% of food and drink ads on South Australian buses.
“Big brands spend millions on catchy slogans and appealing ads to encourage children to consume highly processed foods. Banning these ads in places frequently seen by children is a sensible step towards a healthier South Australia,” Picton said.
The policy, developed through public consultation and aligned with the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032, draws on successful examples from London, Amsterdam, and the ACT. Marina Bowshall, CEO of Preventive Health SA, emphasized the importance of reducing exposure to unhealthy food marketing, saying, “This is a key priority in tackling one of the nation’s most pressing public health challenges.”
Christine Morris, Prevention and Advocacy manager at Cancer Council SA, said: “We know that 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."
