Junk food sales in schools to be banned in Mexico
Mexico has become the latest country to ban junk food from schools as a new government-sponsored law has taken effect. This comes as the Latin American country works to tackle one of the worst obesity and diabetes epidemics.
The health guidelines, published last year, take aim at salty and sweet processed items that have become common among schools in the country. Sugary fruit drinks, crisps, and artificial pork rinds are among the junk food items that the law targets.
“Farewell junk food!” Mexico’s Education Ministry posted on X as the law was announced. The ministry is calling on parents to support its work by cooking healthy meals at home for their children.
“One of the core principles of the new Mexican school system is healthy living,” Mario Delgado, the public health secretary said. “There’s a high level of acceptance of this policy among parents.”
Governments around the world are keeping a close eye on Mexico as many other governments are dealing with similar issues. In America, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has vowed to “Make America Healthy Again,” targeting processed foods and hoping to cut rising obesity and disease.
Under Mexico’s new law, schools are required to phase out any junk food and beverages that display a black warning logo which mark them as being high in salt, sugar, calories, or fat. The compulsory labelling system was introduced in 2020. The ban also requires schools to offer more nutritious alternatives including bean tacos, and plain drinking water.
“It is much better to eat a bean taco than a bag of potato chips,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has championed the ban, said.
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