Public transport unhealthy food and drink ad ban now in effect
Unhealthy food and drink ads are now banned on government owned buses, trains and trams in South Australia, in a major reform to curb kids’ exposure to unhealthy food and drinks, and address childhood obesity.
With SA facing an obesity epidemic, from today images of unhealthy food and drinks such as chocolate, lollies, confectionary, desserts, ice creams, soft drinks and chips will not be permitted on government owned buses, trains and trams.
More than one third of South Australian children are living with overweight or obesity and research commissioned by Preventive Health SA shows that without action, children born in 2023 could see as much as a seven-month reduction in life expectancy because of obesity.
Advertising of unhealthy food and drinks is recognised as a significant contributing factor to childhood obesity, with exposure influencing what kids eat and their decision making about food as they grow older.
South Australian children are regularly exposed to unhealthy food and drink advertising. A study by Cancer Council SA found that 80 per cent of food advertisements within a 500-metre radius of 65 metropolitan Adelaide schools promoted unhealthy foods including ads displayed on public transport.
Reducing exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing, especially children’s exposure, is a focus for Preventive Health SA and a key priority within the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032.
This is a significant reform that will have an enduring impact, reducing children’s exposure to unhealthy food and drink, setting up healthy habits for life and making healthier choices easier for everyone across the state.
The State Government’s ban comes into force as a new obesity prevention campaign, led by the graphic Toxic Fat adverts, commences to raise awareness of the health impacts of obesity and the buildup of visceral fat around the body’s organs, particularly in raising risk of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The campaign was launched on 28 July by the State Government and Preventive Health SA. The adverts are just one part of a broad multi-layer strategy to address obesity in SA that is being supported by the South Australian Obesity Prevention Collaborative – made up of the Cancer Council SA, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the Heart Foundation.
Preventive Health SA, in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, are leading the implementation of the junk food ad ban on public transport. The policy was first proposed in 2023, with public consultation undertaken in 2024 to understand the perspective and feedback of key stakeholders.
The changes follow the implementation of similar effective policies in London, Amsterdam, and the Australian Capital Territory.
For more information, visit Unhealthy food and drink advertising on Government of South Australia buses, trains and trams.