South Australia is banning fast food ads on public transport – will it have the desired effect?

South Australia’s ban on unhealthy food aims to help curb the amount of high sugar, high fat and high salt food children consume. Photograph: Tracey Nearmy/The Guardian

From banning social media to fast food advertising: South Australia will become the first state to prohibit ads for unhealthy food from appearing on public buses, trams and trains.

Under the recently announced ban, in effect from 1 July 2025, promotions for products including chocolate, lollies, confectionery, desserts, ice-cream, soft drinks and chips will not be permitted on Adelaide’s public transport system.