Mexico implemented a nationwide ban on junk food sales in schools, marking its latest effort to combat one of the world’s most severe childhood obesity crises, according to AP News.
The new regulations, which took effect this week, target sugary drinks, salty snacks, and other processed foods that have long dominated school cafeterias and vending machines.
Under the ban, schools must eliminate all food and beverages carrying Mexico’s black warning labels, introduced in 2020, that indicate high levels of sugar, salt, calories, or saturated fats.
Popular items like flavored chips, artificial pork rinds, and sweetened fruit drinks will no longer be permitted. Instead, schools must provide healthier alternatives, such as bean tacos and fresh water.
The Ministry of Education welcomed the move with a post on X: “Farewell, junk food!” Health Minister Mario Delgado emphasised that “healthy living” is one of the basic principles of “the new Mexican school system.”
There’s a high level of acceptance of this policy among parents.
Mexico has the highest childhood junk food consumption rate in Latin America, according to UNICEF. Processed snacks and sugary drinks account for 40% of daily calories for many children, contributing to alarming obesity rates. One in three Mexican children is overweight or obese.
President Claudia Sheinbaum is also a vocal advocate for the ban.
It is much better to eat a bean taco than a bag of potato chips.
While the ban has broad parental support, implementation hurdles remain. Mexico’s 255,000 schools vary widely in resources, many lacking drinking fountains and the infrastructure to monitor compliance. Vendors outside school gates, who sell candy and ice cream, also pose a loophole.
Violating schools face fines of $545 to $5,450, but experts acknowledge change will take time.
