It is about the prohibition of selling junk food to kids.
This newly established law in Mexico aims to reduce childhood obesity by restricting the sale of certain high-calorie, ultra-processed foods, particularly to minors. The law prohibits selling, donating, or giving these foods to children under 18 in specific locations such as schools, hospitals, and clinics. A common sight around schools is for vendors to appear when school hours conclude, selling these types of products to kids.
The state health departments, along with the principals, teachers, and supervisors of schools, must oversee the law’s implementation.
The mayor of La Paz stated that when they see street vendors around schools selling illegal food, they are obligated to report it to the authorities. Therefore, when such a situation is observed, school personnel notify the appropriate authorities, and an inspector is dispatched. A hearing notice is issued for the offender to appear before the civic courts. As for sanctions, the mayor mentioned that they may include fines, arrests, or community service. This is all part of a coordinated effort, as she emphasized that Mexico is one of the countries with the highest rates of childhood obesity.