Cancer Council WA is urging the state government to act after a new report, It’s not just what’s on the menu: How WA’s biggest fast-food brands influence neighbourhood nutrition, revealed WA children are being relentlessly targeted by fast-food marketing-at the school gate, on the sporting field, across public transport, and on their phones-creating a food environment stacked against their health.
Cancer Council WA Food and Movement Programs Manager, Ainslie Sartori, said the problem is bigger than what’s on the menu; it’s how these companies operate.
Our audit found that major fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Subway, operate nearly 450 outlets across WA, locating them near homes, schools, and workplaces,
“The fast food giants make sure their foods are highly accessible, many open 24/7, with breakfast, all-day menus, and delivery apps making it easier than ever to order.” Ms Sartori said.
“With $15 million spent on advertising in WA in 2024 across television, radio, print, out-of-home, and cinema – and this doesn’t include the enormous social media presence these fast food giants are pushing their products down our throats to make a profit.
“Celebrity endorsements, competitions, and special children’s menus and giveaways are sneaky tactics used to drive brand loyalty from a young age.
“While business (and profits) booms for these companies, it’s the health of West Australians that pays the price.
“We call on the state government to implement the recommendations in the Sustainable Health Review Final Report 2019 to restrict unhealthy food and drink advertising on government-owned assets, reform planning laws to limit new fast-food outlets near schools and introduce standards to reduce exposure to unhealthy brands through sports sponsorships.
“These steps will help protect children and communities from pervasive marketing and support healthier choices across WA – every delay puts our health at risk.”
