Mexico has recently intensified efforts to combat childhood obesity by implementing a nationwide ban on the sale of junk food and sugary drinks in schools. Starting june 9 2025, all educational institutions—elementary through higher education—are prohibited from offering products high in sugar, salt, or fats. Violations of this policy will result in fines ranging from 10,900 to 109,000 pesos, with repeat offenses incurring doubled penalties.
This initiative aligns with Mexico's ongoing battle against high obesity rates; approximately 73% of the population is overweight, with children consuming some of the highest amounts of junk food in Latin America. The government's strategy includes offering healthier meal options, such as bean tacos, and ensuring access to plain drinking water in schools.
In the United States, similar discussions are underway. California has proposed Assembly Bill 1264, aiming to ban ultra-processed foods from public schools by 2032. The bill seeks to improve children's health by removing foods linked to obesity and other health issues from school menus. Additionally, Louisiana is considering legislation to exclude ultra-processed foods from school lunches, reflecting a growing concern over the nutritional quality of school meals.
These state-level initiatives indicate a trend toward re-evaluating food offerings in schools to promote healthier eating habits. However, as of now, no federal mandate akin to Mexico's school junk food ban exists in the U.S. The progression of these state laws will be pivotal in determining whether the U.S. moves toward more comprehensive regulations concerning food sales in schools.
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