Sweet savings

A Westpac TV ad that showed a dog enjoying an ice-cream raised concerns about encouraging unsafe behaviour for pets. 

The Community Panel found that the dog was not mistreated, and that pet owners were unlikely to take advice on what to feed their pets from a banking ad. 

No breach – AANA Code of Ethics (Violence / Health and safety)

Shots fired

An Instagram ad for alcohol brand Grog raised concerns about gun violence. 

The Community Panel found that depicting a person being threatened by a gun was unjustifiable violence for promoting the alcohol product. 

Breach – AANA Code of Ethics (Violence)

Bitter brew

A TV ad for StrangeLove canned drinks raised concerns about financial abuse of elderly people. 

The ad was found to imply that older people deserve less favourable treatment with the line “I'm waiting for my parents to die so I can finally afford a house”.

Breach – AANA Code of Ethics (Discrimination or vilification)

Tea time

A Sharetea social media ad about their new kid's menu raised concerns about promoting caffeinated drinks to children. 

In response to the complaint, Sharetea confirmed that all kids drinks are caffeine-free and that their advertising is targeting adults.  

No breach – AANA Food and Beverages Code

Ok on empty

A TV ad for pharmaceutical company Reckitt Benckiser raised concerns with the claim that ibuprofen can be taken on an empty stomach. 

The Community Panel found that the claim was consistent with product labelling and the Therapeutic Goods Administration guidelines, and there was no evidence suggesting it was unsafe.

No breach – AANA Code of Ethics (Health and safety)

Hungry for more? 

• L'Oréal – No breach | AANA Code of Ethics
• Marvel Rivals – Breach | AANA Code of Ethics 
• EV Dealer Group – No breach | FCAI Code
• DoorDash – No breach | AANA Code of Ethics
• Australian Gas Networks – Breach | AANA Environmental Claims Code

Find all the latest decisions at adstandards.com.au/cases 

Want advice on your ad campaign?