Australian Medical Association Urges Government To Tax Sugary Drinks

By MassCentral News Feed on January 7, 2018

Advertising and marketing of junk food and sugary drinks to children should be banned and a sugar-sweetened beverages tax should be introduced as a matter of priority, Australia’s peak medical body says.

The call by the Australian Medical Association urges the government to make improved nutrition and eating habits a priority through education and food literacy programs, mandatory food fortification, restriction on food and beverage advertising to children and a sugary beverage tax.

“Advertising and marketing unhealthy food and drink to children should be prohibited altogether, and the loophole that allows children to be exposed to junk food and alcohol advertising during coverage of sporting events must be closed,” AMA president Dr Michael Gannon said in a statement on Sunday.

Australian Associated Press

Published:
16:11 EST, 6 January 2018