Today - March 29 - the sale of ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and products with warning labels is prohibited in schools across Mexico to promote healthy eating
What is the health problem in Mexico?
Overweight and obesity rates among school-age children have reached an alarming 36.5%. According to the 2020-2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), approximately six million children in Mexico live with overweight or obesity. Additionally, issues such as stunting (14.4%), underweight (4.8%), and micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D) persist, highlighting systemic inequalities in access to nutritious food.
Unhealthy diets, characterized by the high consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages, are a major contributing factor of obesity, overweight and other non-communicable deseases. Previous studies in Mexico have reported that these energy-dense but nutrient-poor products account for over one-third of the daily caloric intake of school-age children. Scientific evidence links their consumption to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other non-communicable diseases, as well as deficiencies in essential nutrients and increased environmental pollution. The widespread availability of unhealthy foods and beverages in Mexican schools perpetuates poor dietary habits and long-term health problems.
Schools Are Key to Solving the Problem
Schools play a pivotal role in shaping children’s dietary habits, as they are environments where food is frequently consumed. However, recent studies reveal that unhealthy foods and beverages are widely accessible in Mexican schools. For instance, a 2021-2022 international study on food policies found that:
- 85% of Mexican children aged 10-12 reported access to sweet desserts,
- 88% had access to salty snacks,
- 78% could purchase sugary drinks at school.
In contrast, only 62% reported access to fruits and vegetables, and just 57% mentioned the presence of water fountains, though their functionality remains unclear.
Children’s consumption patterns reflect this availability:
- 54.3% reported consuming desserts,
- 67.3% ate salty snacks,
- 50.2% drank sugary beverages during school hours.
These findings underscore the urgent need to transform school environments into spaces that promote healthy eating habits. One key measure is ensuring that functional water fountains are available in schools, providing free access to drinking water instead of relying on highly polluting plastic bottles of sugary drinks.
Previous efforts in Mexico focused on nutrition education, such as the Vida Saludable course introduced during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, its implementation and results remain unclear. Moreover, education alone may not be enough to support healthy eating among schoolchildren and adolescents. In contrast, initiatives that adopt a Whole School Approach offer a comprehensive strategy, integrating health, nutrition, and well-being into all aspects of school life. This approach fosters collaboration among students, teachers, parents, and communities to create a supportive environment for healthy habits. It includes policies on nutritious food availability, physical activity promotion, and health education—similar to the changes in Mexican schools starting today.
What is new in Mexican schools?
The Mexican government has taken a decisive step by updating the General Education Law, set to take effect in March 2025 alongside the program Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz. Unlike previous strategies, this establishes fines for the different levels of authority that fail to comply.
Key measures include:
- Mandatory fortification of industrialized wheat and corn flours,
- Health education programs,
- Promotion of physical activity,
- Prevention and control of overweight, obesity, and other eating disorders,
- Detection and monitoring of weight, height, and body mass index in basic education schools,
- Issuance of the General Guidelines for the sale and distribution of prepared and processed foods and beverages in schools.
General Guidelines for the Sale and Distribution of Prepared and Processed Foods and Beverages in Schools
These guidelines are based on the following principles:
✅ Sustainability and progressivity
✅ Absence of conflicts of interest
✅ Guaranteeing the best interests of children
Key Changes to School Food Offerings
🚫 Ban on Junk Food
The advertising and sale of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages in all educational institutions is prohibited. This includes products labeled with warning seals under NOM-051, such as chips, cookies, candies, and sodas.
🌱 Promotion of Healthy Alternatives
Schools must offer natural, regional, and seasonal foods, emphasizing vegetables, fruits, seeds, and plain water. Processed fruits and vegetables with added sugar or salt are discouraged.
💧 Encouraging Healthy Hydration
Schools will promote plain water as the primary beverage choice.
🍽️ Oversight of Food Preparation Areas
School food preparation and distribution areas must meet strict health and safety standards.
📚 Nutritional Education
Programs will be implemented to enhance health literacy among school communities, promoting healthy eating habits.
📜 Vendor Compliance
Suppliers must adhere to these guidelines, with fines for non-compliance.
Implementation Challenges and Support
The update to the General Education Law in Mexico—including the General Guidelines for the sale and distribution of prepared and processed foods and beverages in schools—is a bold step toward healthier students.
The regulations are supported by:
📻 Mass radio and TV campaigns.
🎓 Nationwide online training, such as the Healthy and Sustainable Eating Course.
📖 Educational materials for school staff, food vendors, and families to facilitate the transition to healthier food options for children and adolescents.
The implementation of these guidelines is expected to transform the nutritional landscape of Mexican schools. By reducing the availability and advertising of unhealthy products and promoting nutritious alternatives, this law aims to replicate successful models seen in countries like Chile and Brazil, where school food regulations have led to improved dietary habits and reduced consumption of unhealthy products.
Additionally, reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks will significantly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
🎯 Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
🏙️ Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
🌍 Goal 13: Climate Action
Bottom Line
In the long term, these regulations could significantly reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Mexican school-age children, lower the risk of non-communicable diseases, and decrease pollution. This initiative fosters a culture of health and well-being that extends beyond schools to families, communities, and the environment. Education system authorities, school staff, families, food vendors, universities, civil society organizations, the scientific community, and health practitioners are key players in improving children’s health and well-being by supporting this unprecedented initiative.