HEALTH GROUPS CALL ON AUSTRALIAN GOV'TS TO BAN JUNK FOOD ADS.

CANBERRA, May 9 Asia Pulse - A coalition of health groups is calling on Australian governments to introduce tough new laws to crack down on junk food advertising targeted at children.

The Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) has presented a legislative blueprint to both state and federal governments which would restrict television, internet and print advertising as well as company sponsorship of sporting events.

"The OPC would like to see the federal government tackle this as a national issue, however, legislation could be implemented at a state level if the federal government fails to act," coalition policy adviser Jane Martin said in a statement.

"Implementation of this proposal... would be a hugely important step towards decreasing children's exposure to junk food marketing and reducing the burden of obesity in this country."

The federal government last year rejected calls from its own preventative health taskforce to ban junk food advertising on TV at certain times.

But Ms Martin said industry self-regulation had proven to be utterly ineffective in protecting children because there were too many exceptions.

For instance, shows such as Junior MasterChef aren't covered by the food industry's codes, meaning unhealthy products can be promoted to kids.

The OPC argues self-regulation also fails to adequately control food company websites, outdoor billboards, emails or text message marketing and the use of toys in promotional campaigns.

Further, it doesn't cover junk food advertising of children's sport.

The coalition's legislative blueprint suggests:

* banning junk food advertising on television between 6-9am and 4-9pm on weekdays, and 6am-12pm and 4-9pm on weekends

* banning unhealthy food ads on dedicated children's TV channels

* preventing direct marketing to children through emails, the internet, SMS and magazines

* restricting junk food ads screened before G or PG-rated movies, at schools, on public transport and other public places as well as at sporting events.

The OPC on Monday released new research suggesting 84 per cent of consumers believe children should be protected from unhealthy food advertising.

The survey of 1500 grocery buyers was conducted in 2010.

It found 83 per cent of respondents supported banning junk food ads at times when children were watching TV.

Of those in favour of a ban, 95 per cent wanted the ads off air between 4pm and 9.30pm.

The coalition includes Cancer Council Victoria and that state's branch of Diabetes Australia.

The blueprint is backed by the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Dental Association and Cancer Council Australia.

(AAP) ms 09-05 0954