Mexico Enforces School Junk Food Ban with Six-Month Deadline

Schools in Mexico face heavy fines if they do not comply with a new government mandate to eliminate junk food sales, aiming to address the country's severe childhood obesity crisis.

• The Mexican government has given schools six months to ban junk food sales or face fines ranging from $545 to $5,450.
• Mexico has the highest childhood obesity rates globally, with one-third of children being overweight or obese.
• A recent survey found that 98% of schools had junk food available, with sugary drinks present in 95% of them.
• President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasizes the need for healthier options like bean tacos and hibiscus water in schools.
• Enforcing the ban outside school premises remains unclear, as vendors frequently sell junk food near schools.

2 Articles

Associated Press ABC News