The Government of Mexico has published general guidelines to regulate the preparation, distribution, and sale of food and beverages in schools, aiming to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent obesity among students. These measures include a 180-day adaptation period for schools to make the necessary adjustments.
According to monitoring conducted, it was found that the majority of schools in the country sell junk food and sugary drinks on their premises, which has led to the need to restrict the sale of these products. Schools must adapt their cooperatives or stores to offer healthy foods, such as fresh fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, and low-fat dairy products.
Despite these measures, no penalties will be imposed on parents for sending junk food in their children's lunches, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum during a morning conference. However, fines will be applied to schools that do not comply with the established regulations.
The food safety strategy implemented by the Government aims to promote nutritious and high-quality food among students, eliminating the sale of ultraprocessed foods in schools and encouraging the consumption of natural water. This measure will be mandatory starting March 29, 2025, and schools that fail to comply could face significant fines.
