The Impact of Mexico’s School Junk Food Ban

Since March 29, 2025, the sale of junk food has been banned in more than 200,000 basic-level schools across the country, in accordance with regulations announced in late 2024 by the SEP and the Ministry of Health. However, state authorities acknowledge that the transition presents logistical, cultural, and infrastructural challenges.

President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the initiative’s educational focus, introducing a specialized guide for school cooperatives that outlines which foods are permitted and which are restricted. This guide aims to facilitate the transition, with the expectation of gradual positive outcomes. Nevertheless, as reported by Milenio, implementation will be gradual. Starting this Monday, educational institutions at all levels must remove products with front-of-package warning labels and restrict the sale of sugary beverages, offering only plain water. 

Yet, ensuring access to potable water remains a major challenge, with budgetary initiatives and collaborations underway to install filters and drinking fountains. In Mexico, there are 6,000 schools without bathrooms, 56,109 schools without water, 43,558 schools without sinks, and 26,463 schools without electricity, according to Mejoredu. To address these deficiencies, on March 28, the federal government announced a joint investment of MX$2.5 billion (US$124.58 million) between the SICT and SEP as part of a national educational infrastructure program.

However, states such as Puebla, Hidalgo, and Jalisco have reported that many schools continue to sell prohibited products. Since the ban was announced in late 2024, schools have had six months to comply by eliminating popular snacks and sugary drinks while also restricting advertising. The Alliance for Healthy Food supports the initiative, emphasizing its role in combating childhood obesity and promoting traditional, nutritious foods. Yet, small merchants argue that the ban may have unintended consequences, potentially increasing demand for restricted items, reports MBN. 

Schools and vendors that continue selling prohibited products will face financial penalties. According to the General Education Law, fines for noncompliance will range from MX$10,000 (US$488) to MX$113,000 (US$5,518). Mario Delgado Carrillo, Minister of Education, emphasized that these measures aim to transform schools into environments that promote health, in line with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s commitment.

Milenio reports that public schools in Tamaulipas could lose up to MX$200,000 (US$9,766) per school year due to the new enforcement. Previously, revenue from selling processed snacks was used for school improvements, equipment, and events. At the end of 2024, Mexicanos Primero reported a reduction of MX$13.39 billion (US$664.87 million) in the LEEN program for 2025, reports MBN. LEEN is designed to improve public school infrastructure by allocating resources to communities.

The National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) has highlighted that school cooperatives have historically relied on these sales for additional income, with some schools earning between MX$50,000 (US$2,445) and MX$200,000 (US$9,766) annually. Parents' associations acknowledge the financial impact, noting that up to 70% of school initiatives depend on these revenues. In response, authorities plan to provide training for school administrators on viable food alternatives.

According to President Sheinbaum, this initiative goes beyond regulating food sales in schools. It includes complementary measures to foster healthier habits among students. Key actions within the program include training for school cooperatives, a communication strategy, courses for educators, and the promotion of physical activity. With 25% of Mexican children and adolescents affected by obesity and unhealthy diets costing MX$650 billion (US$31.785 billion) annually, the initiative aims to improve student nutrition and overall health.