Junk food advertising to children must be further restricted

AMA (NSW) is encouraged by reports this week that the Federal Government may act to further crack down on junk food advertising.

Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland, has reportedly suggested that a review of junk food advertising may follow current inquiries into online gambling advertising.

AMA (NSW) President Dr Michael Bonning said today that the AMA strongly supports any Government action to restrict the promotion of products and services that have the potential to cause harm, especially harm to the health of children and vulnerable people.

“There has been some action in restricting the times when fast food and sugary drink ads can be shown, but much more can be done and must be done,” Dr Bonning said.

“Doctors are seeing every day the harms caused by the excessive consumption of junk food, with alarming rates of obesity and diabetes and other health and lifestyle impacts.”

This is further supported by recent major publications regarding the strong link between dietary sugar consumption and diabetes, heart disease, cancer, liver disease and neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression and ADHD.

Dr Bonning said that the companies producing junk food and sugar sweetened beverages drive health outcomes through what are known as the commercial determinants of health.

“Their actions to undermine health are comprehensive,” Dr Bonning said.

“They are a challenge to the passion and commitment of the medical profession and others who strive to uphold and protect public health.

“Governments must step up.”

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