A new Federal Government report advising against restrictions on junk food ads targeting children risks hindering efforts to curb childhood obesity, Cancer Council Australia said today.
Cancer Council Australia Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ian Olver, said the Australian Media and Communications Authority’s (ACMA’s) reluctance to tackle junk food advertising in its draft report on children’s television standards was “out of step” with state government papers released yesterday seeking community views on the issue.
“For ACMA to dismiss junk food advertising restrictions as part of the solution to childhood obesity, the day after the Queensland and South Australian governments released public discussion papers canvassing the opposite, is of great concern,” Professor Olver said.
“Particularly at a time when government is promising to deliver greater policy consistency and cooperation across jurisdictions, with an unprecedented emphasis on disease prevention.”
Professor Olver said ACMA’s position was at odds with a growing evidence base suggesting food marketing reform should be part of a comprehensive approach to reducing childhood obesity.
“Compelling evidence of the need to consider advertising restrictions is the hundred of millions of dollars the food industry pours into ads each year during children’s viewing times, continually enticing kids to consume products high in fat, sugar and salt,” he said.
“Australia has one of the world’s highest concentrations of junk food TV ads directly targeting children. We also have one of the world’s highest rates of childhood obesity. If we don’t take tough decisions now to encourage healthier behaviour, we will see a surge in obesity-related diseases such as cancer when our overweight children become overweight adults.”
Professor Olver said Victorian Government modelling showed restricting advertising was by far the most cost-effective intervention to reduce adolescent obesity, while preliminary studies where bans had been introduced overseas showed encouraging results.
“ACMA’s claim about the evidence being limited reflects in large part the fact that advertising restrictions in Australia have not been tried. The best evidence available to us shows that food marketing reform has significant potential to work, as part of a comprehensive approach.”
Professor Olver said Cancer Council research showed parents supported junk food advertising restrictions and would increasingly look to their elected representatives for leadership.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lesley Branagan, 0439 827 781 lesley.branagan@cancer.org.au
Glen Turner, 0412 443 212 glen.turner@cancer.org.au