Mexico has officially implemented a nationwide junk food ban in schools, aiming to curb one of the world’s worst obesity and diabetes epidemics. The ban, which took effect on Saturday, prohibits the sale of salty and sugary processed foods, including packaged chips, artificial pork rinds, and sugary fruit drinks.
The Education Ministry announced the ban on social media, stating, “Farewell, junk food!” and urging parents to support the initiative by preparing healthier meals for their children. Public Health Secretary Mario Delgado emphasized that promoting healthy living is a core principle of Mexico’s new school system.
Under the new order, schools must phase out foods with even one black warning label indicating high levels of salt, sugar, calories, or fat. The labeling system was introduced in 2020 to help consumers make healthier choices. Schools must also offer nutritious alternatives such as bean tacos and provide plain drinking water.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, a strong advocate of the ban, reinforced the importance of shifting children’s eating habits, stating, “It is much better to eat a bean taco than a bag of potato chips.”
According to UNICEF, Mexican children consume more junk food than any other in Latin America, with processed foods accounting for 40% of their daily calorie intake. Government statistics indicate that one-third of Mexican children are overweight or obese, making the crisis a national emergency.
Many parents support the measure, including Aurora Martínez, a mother of two, who noted that schools are replacing candy with fruits and vegetables at events. However, enforcing the ban presents challenges, particularly in monitoring compliance across Mexico’s 255,000 schools. Administrators who violate the order would face fines ranging from $545 to $5,450.
Another obstacle is the presence of street vendors selling junk food outside schools. Child therapist Abril Geraldine Rose de León acknowledged that enforcement will be difficult but believes the policy will succeed in the long run.
Mexico’s initiative draws global attention, particularly as other nations, including the U.S., explore similar measures to combat childhood obesity.
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