Mexico’s President Signs Landmark Decree Banning Junk Food Sales in All Public Schools Nationwide
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) — In a sweeping public health move, President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a formal decree on Monday enforcing a nationwide ban on the sale of all junk food and sugary drinks within public school premises across Mexico, effective immediately. According to the government’s official statement, the new regulation mandates that all primary, secondary, and high schools must replace vending machine items and cafeteria offerings with nutritious alternatives, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and water. This measure aims to combat Mexico’s alarming childhood obesity rates, which rank among the highest globally, as the World Health Organization reported over 50% of Mexican children exhibit dietary imbalances linked to processed foods. How will schools enforce this? The Ministry of Public Education will conduct quarterly inspections, imposing fines on institutions violating the rule. Why this timing? The decree follows years of advocacy from health groups and a recent surge in diabetes-related deaths among youth.