Australian Medical Association Calls For Ban Of Junk Food Advertising On Children's TV

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet;  Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 05 May 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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The AMA has renewed calls for an immediate ban on the advertising of unhealthy food during children's viewing hours.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said obesity was becoming more prevalent in children, and urged government to act on advertising that targets children and unhealthy food.

"The health of Australia's children, now and into the future, is of paramount importance. Food advertising influences what food children want, ask for, and eat," Dr Capolingua said.

"Food advertising undermines the efforts of parents to provide healthy food for their children.

"Childhood obesity can lead to life-long health problems. Combating obesity is a shared responsibility. The broadcast industry and broadcast regulatory authorities have a significant role to play in these efforts.

"The Australian Communications and Media Authority must decide to prohibit advertising of unhealthy foods in children's television viewing times.

"The ten biggest food advertisers are outspending the government by six to one to promote their food products.

"The Commonwealth and States have agreed on targets and goals around obesity reduction, particularly in children (via National Healthcare Agreements and National Public Health Partnerships). The AMA believes junk food advertising to children could undermine these efforts," Dr Capolingua said.

The renewed call for a ban comes with the launch today of the Coalition on Food Advertising to Children (CFAC) on-line campaign aimed at putting more pressure on government to get junk food advertising out of children's television.

The campaign material is available at : http://www.burgercorp.com.au

Source
Australian Medical Association Limited

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