Research Examines Laws To Regulate Junk Food Promotion
A study by researchers at The University of Western Australia has recommended introducing legislation to lower the number of ‘buy one get one free’ promotions of unhealthy food in supermarkets.
Associate Professors Meredith Blake and Marilyn Bromberg and research assistant Nicholas Cardaci, from UWA Law School co-authored the report Healthy Competition: Western Australia’s Choices for Regulating Supermarkets’ Promotion of Discretionary Food.
“The widespread overconsumption of calorie-dense food and drinks with little nutritional value is a significant factor in Australia’s obesity rates,” Associate Professor Blake said.
“Unhealthy food accounts for over one-third of adults’ energy intake and more than 40 per cent of children’s energy intake.”
Data has shown supermarket in-store promotional strategies can cause people to buy more items, excessively consume these types of food and stockpile, a practice which has been exacerbated by the rise in the cost of living.
Living in a regional or rural area also impacts households’ access to, and ability to afford healthy diets, which increases their susceptibility to price promotions.
“Buy one get one free food promotions are widely used to market food to both adults and youth and encourage them to purchase a product more quickly, more frequently, and/or in greater quantities,” Associate Professor Bromberg said.
“In the UK, legislation was amended to regulate these promotional strategies.
“We believe an effective option to regulate these promotional strategies in WA is to introduce this type of legislation.”
The report, funded by Healthway, recommended using Australia’s Health Star Rating system on products; putting limitations on the placing, size and visibility of ‘buy one get one free’ food promotions; and recommended any regulation should be accompanied by a healthy eating education campaign.
The researchers believe that if these changes are made, it could help to lower the number of Western Australians who are above a healthy weight.
Lotterywest and Healthway CEO Ralph Addis said the study was an important step towards addressing a significant gap in public health research.
“This provides an important contribution to obesity prevention policy and the outcomes will be a valuable resource for policy makers in WA,” he said.
“Healthway encourages research that will inform policy and improve access to healthy and affordable food options, supporting the health and wellbeing of all Western Australians.”