Mexican authorities have established that schools in the country must comply with an existing ban on so-called "junk food" within six months, otherwise they will face significant fines. This measure, announced on September 30, targets products that are common in the consumption of generations of Mexican students, such as sugary fruit drinks, potato chips, artificial pork rinds, and salted peanuts with chili.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has highlighted the importance of implementing healthy alternatives in schools. In this regard, it has been mentioned that schools must provide drinking water fountains and alternative snacks. However, to date, previous attempts to impose restrictions on unhealthy food have had limited success in the country. A 2020 report indicated that approximately 4% of Mexican schools managed to install water fountains, which amounts to about 10,900 schools.
Additionally, there is concern that many schools, especially those located in poor or remote areas, face difficulties in maintaining adequate facilities, such as bathrooms in acceptable conditions, electrical supply, and even internet connectivity. Regarding the president's proposal concerning refried beans, a common dish in the Mexican diet, it is worth noting that its traditional preparation with lard could contravene regulations against saturated fats.
Mexican health authorities have implemented warning labels on food packaging between 2010 and 2020, in order to alert consumers about high levels of salt, added sugar, excess calories, and saturated fats. According to figures from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Mexican children have one of the highest rates of unhealthy food consumption in Latin America, obtaining up to 40% of their total caloric intake from these products.
The problem of childhood obesity in Mexico is a national concern, with approximately one-third of children suffering from overweight or obesity, according to authorities. For this reason, measures are being sought to promote healthier eating habits among the school population. The implementation of this new regulation aims to address the problem at its root and raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet from an early age.
