The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has recommended that the Government of Australia should impose a ban on advertisements for sugary drinks and unhealthy food products that directly target children in the AMA Position Statement on Nutrition 2018.

The statement also suggested levying a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages on a priority basis and that water should be marketed as a default beverage option for children.

AMA president Michael Gannon said: “Improving the nutrition and eating habits of Australians must become a priority for all levels of government.

“If we can establish healthy habits from the start, it is much more likely that they will continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood.”

“Governments should consider the full complement of measures available to them to support improved nutrition, from increased nutrition education and food literacy programmes through to mandatory food fortification, price signals to influence consumption, and restrictions on food and beverage advertising to children.

“Eating habits and attitudes start early, and if we can establish healthy habits from the start, it is much more likely that they will continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood. The AMA is alarmed by the continued, targeted marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children.”

The Australian organisation also said that healthy foods must be provided in all healthcare centres and asked the government to take necessary measures for the removal of vending machines containing unhealthy food and drinks at these facilities.

The AMA’s statement also suggests better labelling on food and drink products, which will help consumers to distinguish between naturally occurring and added sugars.