Anti-Junk Food Law
Mexico
Accessibility, Vendor and Product Properties, Marketing and Regulation, Labelling, Social Capital, Other (Please specify)
National
Citizens/Consumers, Public Sector
Ongoing
AGREEMENT establishing the general guidelines governing the preparation, distribution, and sale of prepared, processed, and bulk foods and beverages, as well as the promotion of healthy eating lifestyles, within every school in the National Education System. Key measures include: Mandatory fortification of industrialized wheat and corn flours, Health education programs, Promotion of physical activity, Prevention and control of overweight, obesity, and other eating disorders, Detection and monitoring of weight, height, and body mass index in basic education schools, Issuance of the General Guidelines for the sale and distribution of prepared and processed foods and beverages in schools. These guidelines are based on the following principles: ✅ Sustainability and progressivity ✅ Absence of conflicts of interest ✅ Guaranteeing the best interests of children Key Changes to School Food Offerings 🚫 Ban on Junk Food The advertising and sale of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages in all educational institutions is prohibited. This includes products labeled with warning seals under NOM-051, such as chips, cookies, candies, and sodas. 🌱 Promotion of Healthy Alternatives Schools must offer natural, regional, and seasonal foods, emphasizing vegetables, fruits, seeds, and plain water. Processed fruits and vegetables with added sugar or salt are discouraged. 💧 Encouraging Healthy Hydration Schools will promote plain water as the primary beverage choice. 🍽️ Oversight of Food Preparation Areas School food preparation and distribution areas must meet strict health and safety standards. 📚 Nutritional Education Programs will be implemented to enhance health literacy among school communities, promoting healthy eating habits. 📜 Vendor Compliance Suppliers must adhere to these guidelines, with fines for non-compliance. Reference: Gabriela Argumedo, Alejandra Contreras Manzano & Simon Barquera. March, 2025.Mexico Bans Junk Food in Schools: A Bold Step Towards Healthier Students. Published in Social Sciences, Education, and Economics. https://go.nature.com/41GFWHU
Overweight and obesity rates among school-age children have reached an alarming 36.5%. According to the 2020-2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), approximately six million children in Mexico live with overweight or obesity. Additionally, issues such as stunting (14.4%), underweight (4.8%), and micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D) persist, highlighting systemic inequalities in access to nutritious food.
There is institutional joint responsibility. From health authorities, educational authorities (SEP and the SS) and school authorities within the scope of their respective powers.
Is too soon to tell as this just took effect in March 2025