The Mexican Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) announced that the sale of junk food will be prohibited in the 258,689 schools of the National Educational System. This measure responds to concerns about the health of students, as it is estimated that about 6 million children aged 5 to 11 suffer from obesity or overweight.
The agreement to implement this prohibition was published by the Secretariats of Health and Public Education in the Official Journal of the Federation in 2024. Starting from March 29, 2025, all schools at the three educational levels (basic, upper secondary, and higher education) must comply with this regulation.
The Mexican government will impose economic fines on those institutions that fail to comply with the ban on selling junk food. According to data presented by the SEP, this type of food is sold in the majority of schools, contributing to excessive consumption of sugars and ultra-processed products.
School administrators who do not comply with the order could face fines ranging from around 10,900 to 109,000 pesos, which could be doubled in case of recurrence. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of providing students with healthier options, such as water fountains and alternative snacks.
The SEP committed to training and providing information to those responsible for school snack bars and cooperatives so that they adjust to the new provisions and offer healthier food. The aim is to promote a healthier lifestyle and diet among the student community, prioritizing the consumption of local and seasonal foods.
