Time to junk footy’s fast food fascination to protect children, say health groups

Unhealthy food and drink advertising was visible for more than a quarter of the AFL Grand Final telecast and health advocates are now calling for change.

Junk time in the AFL has taken on a whole new meaning after a new analysis of the AFL Grand Final telecast found ­unhealthy food and drink advertising was visible for more than a quarter of the match.

Health groups are calling on the league to junk the promotion of the unhealthy foods clubs would prevent their players eating and drinking.

The review of the 2017 Grand Final telecast found fast food marketing and promotions ­appeared 452 times, or 36 minutes of advertising.

CODE HASN’T STOPPED JUNK FOOD ADS

WHY WE SHOULD RESTRICT JUNK FOOD ADS

During the 2017 AFL Grand Final between the Adelaide Crows and Richmond Tigers, fast food promotion appeared 452 times. Picture: Mark Stewart

Obesity Policy Coalition executive manager Jane Martin said more than 322,000 viewers under 15 were bombarded by junk food and soft drink marketing that would be outlawed on children’s programs.

“This is one example of a high-rating children’s program which not only has paid advertising during the breaks, but also within the game itself is packed with junk food and drink marketing,” she said.

“The AFL would want to ensure its players are at peak performance … they would not be recommending their players eat or drink these products when they are in training.”

Cancer Council Victoria senior researcher Dr Helen Dixon found marketing for ­unhealthy foods and drinks was displayed during more than 25 per cent of screen time.

McDonald’s accounted for more half of that, while fellow AFL sponsor Coca-Cola had almost a third, prompting Dr Dixon to suggest the league sought new partners, as has happened in other sports.

“It puts a ‘health halo’ on a product which is not great, that is high in energy and low in good nutrients, and definitely not the type of food those athletes would be eating themselves,” she said.

“We have seen (change) with other large sporting org­anisations — Netball Australia’s main sponsor is Aussie Apples, the English cricket team does not have any junk food sponsorship,” she said.

“The AFL is really wanting to ensure it appeals to families and promote healthy (food), and this is absolutely undermining that.”