Mexico Bans Junk Food Sales in Schools

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Mexico has implemented a ban on junk food in schools, a measure that went into effect on Saturday as part of the fight against one of the worst obesity and diabetes epidemics in the world. This initiative seeks to transform children's eating habits and reduce their consumption of processed foods.

A Step Against Childhood Obesity

The new regulations, announced by the Ministry of Education, eliminate processed foods and beverages high in sugar, salt, calories, or fat, such as sugary sodas, potato chips, and spicy peanuts, from schools. Instead, they promote healthy options like bean tacos and drinking water.

“Goodbye, junk food!” the ministry posted on Facebook, urging parents to prepare nutritious meals for their children at home as well.

Changes in the Classrooms

According to UNICEFChildren in Mexico consume more ultra-processed foods than in any other Latin American nation, accounting for 401% of their daily calories. With a third of children already classified as obese or overweight, the government considers this ban essential.

Schools must now comply with a front-of-pack labeling system introduced in 2020, which labels products with black warning stickers if they exceed certain levels of unhealthy ingredients. Violators face fines ranging from $545 to $5,450.

Expectations

While the measure has been supported, many wonder how it will be implemented. Many of Mexico's 255,000 schools lack basic infrastructure, such as water fountains, and street vendors selling sweets and fried foods outside schools are a constant temptation for children. Either way, the fight against junk food in schools is a bold step for Mexico.

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Fountain: Associated Press