Mexico has officially implemented a government-sponsored ban on junk food in schools, aiming to address one of the world’s worst obesity and diabetes crises.
Effective Saturday, the policy prohibits salty and sweet processed foods such as sugary fruit drinks, chips, artificial pork rinds, and chili-flavored peanuts from school campuses. The Education Ministry announced the law’s enforcement with the message: “Farewell, junk food!”
Under the new regulations, schools must phase out any food and beverage carrying Mexico’s black warning labels for high salt, sugar, calories, or fat. Schools are also required to offer healthier alternatives like bean tacos and plain drinking water.
“It is much better to eat a bean taco than a bag of potato chips,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, a strong advocate of the initiative.
According to UNICEF, Mexican children consume more junk food than anywhere else in Latin America, with 40% of their daily calories coming from sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods. Government data shows that one-third of Mexican children are overweight or obese.
Schools failing to comply face fines ranging from $545 to $5,450. However, enforcement remains a challenge, especially as street vendors outside school campuses continue selling junk food to students.