South Australia (SA) will become the first state to ban advertising for fast food products on its public transport network when a ban comes into force on July 1 this year. It will apply to products including chocolate, lollies, confectionery, desserts, ice creams, soft drinks, and chips.
Modelling indicated that if no action was taken, the number of South Australians affected would grow by an additional 1,900 children and 48,000 adults over the next five years.
Recent research by Preventive Health SA also showed that unless measures were implemented to combat the problem, children born in 2023 could see as much as a seven-month reduction in life expectancy because of obesity.
Food and drink marketing can affect a child's nutrition knowledge, food preferences and consumption patterns, the government said.
"Food habits and relationships established early in life have a lasting impact on food habits and health outcomes of adults," said Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton.
"Each year, big brands spend millions of dollars on catchy slogans and appealing ads to encourage South Australian children to consume more highly processed foods containing high fat, high salt and high sugar.
"Banning these ads in some of the key places they are seen regularly -- especially by children -- is a sensible step towards a healthier South Australia."
He said that relying on parents to limit their children's consumption of unhealthy food was ineffective because of the "pester power children use to persuade [them]. "
The new law was introduced after public consultation, which included feedback from the food, beverage, and advertising sectors.
It follows the implementation of similar policies in London, Amsterdam, and the Australian Capital Territory.