Britain has moved to limit junk food marketing to children, despite loopholes and lobbying. Australia still hasn’t acted.

The UK’s new law to reduce childhood obesity has been hollowed out by aggressive corporate lobbying. But compared to Australia, something is better than nothing.

Whether it’s cricket heroes scoffing down fried chicken, Stranger Things-themed burgers, or creators partying with Pepsi Max, most young Australians will see dozens of ads for junk food on their screens today. If exposure doesn’t come via saturation sponsorship of the NBL or the Big Bash League, then children will be bombarded just about wherever they are online, logged into a social media account or not.

If this sounds like summer as usual, consider the contrast with the UK where this year’s Christmas ad blitz featured Grinch shopping in the fruit and veg section, a mum smiling in gratitude as her daughter adds apples to the shopping basket, and Keira Knightley receiving a home-baked pie in a Love Actually homage.

It is now illegal in Britain to show TV ads for high fat, salt and sugar products between 5.30am and 9pm, or to target children online at any time. Following months of voluntary compliance, brands and broadcasters that breach the new standards now face the risk of hefty penalties of up to £250,000 or 5 per cent........

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