The Mexican state of Oaxaca became the first to ban the sales of junk foods to children under the age of 18.
The state of Tabasco did the same.
A dozen other Mexican states are considering similar actions. The rationale is clear: the health consequences of obesity in general and with Covid-19 in particular.
One-third of Mexicans aged 6 to 19 are overweight or obese, according to UNICEF. They may not be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 now, but they can suffer myriad health issues, especially in adulthood.
And Mexico’s new warning labels are now in effect and will be required for all packaged foods by the end of the year.
Mexico has been able to implement these measures despite overwhelming food industry opposition.
How? I credit the outstanding advocacy work of the Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health and the consumer coalition, Alianza por la Salud Alimentaria.
