Soaring Food Prices Threat Mexican Economy, Health: ANPEC

The National Alliance of Small Merchants (ANPEC) pointed out that increasing food prices recorded in recent months prevent the population from maintaining a healthy diet, potentially leading to health issues.

A market study conducted by ANPEC revealed a notable uptick in food prices, posing a significant challenge for Mexican families, particularly those with limited financial resources, in their ability to afford nutritious food and maintain a balanced diet. Notably, fruits and vegetables have witnessed staggering price hikes, reaching increases of up to 233%, like in the case of zucchinis. Onions surged by 150%, followed by tomatoes at 116.1%, and pineapples at 77.9%. Moreover, potatoes saw a 51.3% increase, lemons rose by 46.1%, and bananas by 32.2%. Regarding grains, beans and rice experienced a 48.5% and 38.1% hike, respectively.

Certain animal-origin proteins have surged by nearly 80%. Pork cutlets rose by 45.60%, eggs by 53.75%, canned tuna in water by 55.62%, milk by 59.58%, and tilapia filets by 62.84%. Moreover, both beef cutlets and chicken breast saw an equal rise of 79.47%.

Cuauhtémoc Rivera, President, ANPEC, highlighted that the surge in prices has resulted in a notable decline in the consumption of these foods, roughly around 25%, as consumers find it increasingly challenging to afford them. "Inflation is racing ahead in the Mexican economy, making its impact felt particularly during the January slope, especially in essential food items that are crucial for every household's proper nutrition," he remarked.

The latest three reports from INEGI indicate a noticeable upward trend in the inflationary phenomenon, reaching 5% for overall inflation and exceeding 10% for food-related inflation. In this context, external factors, including climate conditions, distribution challenges, and harvest seasons, are anticipated to contribute to substantial fluctuations in agricultural product prices throughout the year, as reported by MBN.

ANPEC’s study shows that it is not a matter of people not wanting to eat healthy. Rather, their constrained purchasing power and the high cost of food are the factors that hinder them, Rivera emphasized. He also underscored that a diet lacking in essential nutrients could lead to health issues. "A nutritionally deficient diet fails to provide adequate nourishment. When individuals do not consume enough proteins, they are compelled to alleviate their hunger in any possible way, leaving them in a state of weakness and vulnerability to the wave of respiratory illnesses prevalent in the winter season, coupled with the resurgence of COVID-19 and influenza," he said.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), maintaining essential bodily functions requires the consumption of appropriate quantities of food. "Insufficient intake of essential nutrients leads to nutritional problems, commonly linked to chronic degenerative and cardiovascular diseases." a FAO study highlights. Moreover, Philip Calder, Professor of nutritional immunology, University of Southampton, emphasizes that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, and healthy oils is ideal for recovering from COVID-19. Additionally, he highlights the essential role of protein intake. "The immune system requires a significant amount of energy when active and combating pathogens. During an infection, the body extracts proteins from breaking down muscles, transforming them into amino acids. These, in turn, are utilized by the immune system to generate new proteins," explained Calder in a BBC interview.

ANPEC urged Mexican authorities to rethink public policies and social programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Mexican families in the face of inflationary challenges. “Household leaders have no alternative, they must address the fundamental needs of their homes, a responsibility they cannot delegate to anyone. As a society, we cannot leave them to fend for themselves, we must persevere until we find solutions to this issue, fostering improved economic and social development in our nation," emphasized Rivera.