In a decisive move against one of the world’s most alarming obesity epidemics, Mexico has implemented a groundbreaking ban on junk food in schools.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The ban kicked in on Saturday, aiming to combat Mexico’s severe diabetes and obesity crisis, which ranks among the worst globally.

Officials have hit the ground running with strict health guidelines introduced last fall, targeting the sugary and salty snacks that have long been favorites among Mexican schoolchildren. Out go the sugary fruit drinks, packaged chips, and spicy chili-flavored peanuts!

Schools flouting the ban will face hefty fines ranging from $545 to $5,450, with penalties doubling for repeat offenders—amounting to a staggering year’s income for some.

With children in Mexico consuming more junk food than anywhere else in Latin America, it’s become a national concern, with some kids deriving up to 40% of their daily calories from these unhealthy snacks. The U.N. has deemed child obesity in Mexico an emergency.

Shocking statistics reveal that approximately one-third of Mexican children are classified as overweight or obese.

Past attempts to curb junk food in schools have largely failed, with a striking 98% of surveyed schools found to offer junk options, while 95% served sugary drinks!

Under the leadership of the new President Claudia Sheinbaum, schools are now encouraged to provide healthier alternatives like water fountains and bean tacos. “A bean taco beats potato chips any day,” Sheinbaum emphasizes. “And hibiscus flower water is a far healthier choice than soda.”

Yet, challenges remain, as many of Mexico’s 255,000 schools lack access to free drinking water for students. A 2020 report shows that only about 4% have successfully installed drinking fountains. In numerous underserved areas, schools struggle with basic amenities such as proper bathrooms and electricity.

To further tackle obesity, Mexico previously introduced front-of-package warning labels on unhealthy foods, alerting consumers to high salt, sugar, and fat levels. However, under the new regulations, any product displaying even one warning label will be banned from school snack stands.

A lingering question remains: how will the government manage to enforce the ban at the many vendor stands setting up shop outside schools, a common sight according to recent surveys showing 77% of schools have such vendors?

With the stakes high, Mexico is on a mission to pave the way towards healthier future generations.

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