Mexico aims to combat childhood obesity by banning the sale of high-calorie, low-nutrient products in schools by March 2025
The Mexico announced an important measure for fight childhood obesityimposing on schools the ban on selling products with high calorie content and low nutritional value by March 2025. The new legislation covers ultra-processed foods such as crisps, sugary drinks, artificial pork rinds and salty chilli snacks.
These products, often labeled for their high fat, sugar or sodium content, will no longer be allowed in schools or in their immediate vicinity, under penalty of fines ranging from $545 to $5,450 for institutions that do not comply with the regulation.
The initiative was born in response to the alarming data that indicate Mexico as one of the countries with the highest rate of childhood obesity in the world. According to a national survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), approximately 5.7 million children between 5 and 11 years old and over 10 million adolescents between 12 and 19 years old suffer from obesity or overweight.
Recent studies indicate that approximately 40% of the calories consumed by Mexican children come from junk fooda fact that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has defined as a true health emergency.
We will also focus on raising the awareness of parents and teachers
The government aims to promote healthier eating habits, encouraging the consumption of water and more nutritious foods like beans. However, access to drinking water in schools remains a challenge: only 4% of schools have water fountains, making it difficult to promote healthy alternatives.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed the importance of encourage a healthier lifestylesuggesting hibiscus water as an alternative to soft drinks and bean tacos as a replacement for packaged snacks.
The fight against junk food in schools is a long-term commitment that also requires the collaboration of families and a widespread educational campaign. The Mexican Ministry of Education is working to raise awareness among parents and teachers by disseminating educational materials that include economical and nutritious food guides and recipes. They will also be implemented monitoring programs to verify compliance with the new regulations, with the aim of significantly reducing childhood obesity rates.
This change represents a turning point for a country that, in recent years, has unsuccessfully fought against the consumption of unhealthy foods. The introduction of warning labels on packaging, although useful, . However, with its current commitment, Mexico hopes to chart a new course towards better health for future generations.
