Health nuts slam Coles, Woolworths and Aldi for discounting and displaying junk food – claiming it’s impossible to buy groceries without being ‘exposed’ to them
- Supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles and Aldi were ‘red-flagged’
- Research from Deakin University claims the stores promote unhealthy foods
- Supermarkets have been offering higher discounts on junk food, study claims
Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have been slammed by health advocates for promoting and displaying too many unhealthy foods.
Researchers from Victoria’s Deakin University ‘red flagged’ major supermarkets for offering higher discounts on unhealthier foods while also putting items like chips, chocolate and sugary drinks on prominent display.
Associate Professor Gary Sacks said it was ‘almost impossible’ for Australians to buy their groceries without being exposed to junk food.
‘Unhealthy diets are leading contributors to poor health in Australia. Our diets are so bad because wherever we go, unhealthy food is pushed at us,’ he said.
Some of Australia’s major supermarkets have been ‘red-flagged’ for promoting unhealthy foods within their stores, as part of research by Victoria’s Deakin University
The study was conducted as part of a new national food dashboard to track obesity rates around the country.
Professor Sacks said not only were unhealthier foods more on display than other options, they were also put ‘on special’ twice as much and with larger discounts.
According to the research, about 78 per cent of space at checkout areas in Victorian supermarkets is dedicated to selling unhealthy food and drink options.
As well as the study into how supermarkets promote their products, the food dashboard also found children were exposed to about 10 ads for junk food every hour they spend online.
Advertisements that show food being eaten outside are also more likely to be promoting unhealthy food.
Between 2017 to 2018 it was found that two in every three adults were overweight, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Leading researcher Associate Professor Gary Sacks said it was ‘almost impossible’ for Australians to buy their groceries without being exposed to junk food
Woolworths told Daily Mail Australia the supermarket promoted ‘good eating habits’ for shoppers at an early age.
‘We’re working to make healthier choices easier and more affordable for our customers, but there is always more we can do,’ it said.
‘We also invest millions promoting Australian grown fresh fruit and vegetables to help customers eat well and save by shopping seasonally.
‘In addition to our investments in fresh and health, we also offer customers great specials on the food and drinks they know and love.
‘It’s one of the reasons customers shop with us, and we’ll continue to offer choice and value across the entire store to help Australian families get the most out of their budget.’
Coles and Aldi were contacted for comment.
Researchers claim supermarkets offer higher discounts on junk food like chips and chocolate