Changes to AANA’s F&B Code in effect from today
Changes to the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA)’s Food & Beverage Code (F&B Code) have come into effect today, 1 November, which were flagged back in May.
From today, food and non-alcoholic beverage companies will only be able to show advertisements for “occasional food” when the proportion of children is 25% or less of the total audience, previously the threshold was at 35%.
Other changes to the F&B Code that have come into effect are the creation of a unified Food & Beverage Code, the application of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion definition of “occasional foods”, the application of the new F&B Code to sponsorships as well, and a specific reference to a requirement that only healthier options be marketed to children, so that brand owners do not advertise occasional foods near places where children congregate.
Megan McEwin
AANA’s director policy and regulatory affairs, Megan McEwin, said: “This requirement applies at all time of the day and night, to all media, both traditional and digital.”
McEwin added: “The new F&B Code reflects the advertising industry commitment to responsible advertising and demonstrates how the self-regulatory system responds to changes in community standards. Importantly, the code represents more stringent protections for children.
“The unified F&B Code has expanded the remit of the Code by applying the new common nutrition criteria to sponsorship and point-of-sale advertising.
“To ensure the new standards are applied across all advertising in Australia, AANA has undertaken a comprehensive education campaign over the last six months.”
The AANA has been hosting sessions for both FMCG companies, such as Coles, Woolworths and General Mills, to educate them on the changes, as well as the creative industry through the Ad Council. The AANA also offers free advice to its members.
The AANA has also re-affirmed its commitment to regularly review the F&B Code, including a full public consultation every five years.
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topics
AANA
Australian Association of National Advertisers
F&B Code
Food & Beverage Code
Megan McEwin
