The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced their acknowledgement in regard to community concern about child obesity but has expressed that blanket bans on advertising for some parts of the food and beverage industry will not solve the problem and will lead to job losses during difficult economic times.
The AANA has stressed that reducing childhood obesity is an important issue that requires a wholistic approach involving education, parental guidance, promotion of healthy eating habits, and encouragement of physical activity.
AANA CEO Josh Faulks said; “The advertising industry recognises community concerns around childhood obesity and the role advertising plays. That is why we have established some of the strongest rules in the world around food and beverage advertising to children and are proud of nearly 100 per cent compliance rate with decisions made by the independent complaints handling body, Ad Standards. With strong rules already in place, blanket advertising bans are unnecessary and will cause job losses across multiple sectors as we face into significant economic headwinds.”
Australia has some of the most rigorous rules concerning food and beverage advertising in the world. The Food & Beverages Advertising Code (the Code) prohibits the targeting of children (under 15 years of age) with ads for occasional food and beverages. This restriction applies to all advertising, across all media channels, at all times of the day.
The Code also imposes specific restrictions on the placement of occasional food and beverage ads. They are prohibited during children’s content, C or P-rated programs, within a 150-meter radius of schools, or when the proportion of adults in the total audience is less than 75%.
The AANA argues that a ban of advertising across some parts of the industry will lead to reductions in sales and subsequent job losses across the supply chain.
The AANA say they remain committed to working with the Australian Government to reduce childhood obesity.