Mexico launches battle for children's health: c

Recently, the Associated Press reported on the 21st that due to the rampant problem of childhood obesity, the Mexican government has issued a strict order that schools must implement a ban on junk food within 6 months, otherwise school administrators will face high fines.

The new General Guidelines jointly issued by the Mexican Ministry of Public Education and the Ministry of Health stipulate that junk food such as potato chips, cookies, candies, and sugary drinks are prohibited from being sold in schools. At the same time, products with warning labels such as high salt, added sugar, excessive calories, and saturated fat on the front of the packaging are also restricted, and some snacks even have four such labels. For schools that violate regulations, administrators will be fined $545 to $5450, and the fine for a second violation may double.

The United Nations Children's Fund pointed out that Mexico has the highest consumption of junk food among children in Latin America, with 40% of their total calorie intake coming from junk food. Childhood obesity has reached a state of emergency, with about one-third of children being overweight or obese. A survey of over 10000 schools in 2023-2024 shows that 98% of schools provide students with junk food, 95% provide sugary drinks, 79% provide soft drinks, and 25% of schools have junk food advertisements. However, a 2020 report showed that only about 4% (approximately 10900) of schools in the country installed water dispensers.

Newly elected Mexican President Claudia Simbaum emphasized that schools should provide water dispensers and healthy snacks such as bean corn rolls, stating that "eating bean corn rolls is much better than eating a bag of potato chips". This regulation has been praised by the Mexican Health Food Alliance as a significant victory for the well-being of children and adolescents.

However, there are also voices of opposition within Mexico. The National Small Business Alliance of Mexico is concerned that the ban may backfire, as it will not only fail to reduce students' interest and demand for restricted goods, but also stimulate their desire to purchase and consume. Whether Mexico's recent ban on junk food can truly help improve the problem of childhood obesity depends on the effectiveness of its subsequent implementation.