US EditionMexico bans junk food sales in schools in its latest salvo against child obesity
- On Saturday, a government-sponsored junk food ban took effect in schools across Mexico as part of an effort championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum to combat the country's high rates of obesity and diabetes.
- Mexico is grappling with a severe obesity epidemic, particularly among children, who consume more junk food than anywhere else in Latin America, with sugary drinks and processed foods accounting for 40% of their daily caloric intake.
- The ban, which was enforced starting Monday morning at the beginning of the school week, requires schools to replace junk food with nutritious alternatives like bean tacos and offer plain drinking water, targeting items high in salt, sugar, calories and fat identified by black warning logos implemented through a 2020 labeling system.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated, "It is much better to eat a bean taco than a bag of potato chips," while the Education Ministry posted "Farewell, junk food!" on X, encouraging parents to support the government's efforts by cooking healthy meals for their children.
- While the ban has become law, its enforcement poses a challenge, especially in the 255,000 schools, many of which lack basic resources like water fountains, reliable internet, and electricity, and it remains unclear how the government will prevent junk food sales by street vendors outside school campuses, despite administrators facing fines ranging from $545 to $5,450 for violations; previous bans have struggled to gain traction.
103 Articles
103 Articles
Junk food ban goes into effect in Mexican schools
A ban on junk food in Mexico’s schools will enter into effect on Monday, government officials announced on Saturday. The junk food ban is part of the government’s Healthy Living program, a collaboration between the Public Education Ministry (SEP) and the Health Ministry. The ban applies to both public and private schools across all levels of education. ¡Adiós a la comida chatarra! A partir del 29 de marzo, estará prohibida su venta en las escue…
Mexico bans junk food sales in schools to combat child obesity: ‘Farewell, junk food!’
A government-sponsored junk food ban in schools across Mexico took effect on Saturday, officials said, as the country tries to tackle one of the world’s worst obesity and diabetes epidemics.
‘Farewell, junk food!’: Mexico bans sale of salty and sweet treats in schools to fight child obesity
A government-sponsored junk food ban in schools across Mexico took effect on Saturday, officials said, as the country tries to tackle one of the world’s worst obesity and diabetes epidemics.
Associated Press News
Mexico bans junk food sales in schools in its latest salvo against child obesity
Mexico says a government-sponsored junk food ban in schools has taken effect as the country tries to tackle one of the world’s worst obesity and diabetes epidemics.
Goodbye to chips, junk food and soft drinks: What YES can they sell in schools?
Mexico occupies the first place in childhood obesity. According to data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), children aged 5 to 11 years recorded an increase of 7 percent in overweight and obesity between 2006 and 2020-2022. The data are even more alarming. It is estimated that half of the girls born since 2010 will develop diabetes throughout their lives. This, as a result of early exposure to chemicals, called “endocrine disrup…
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