Mexico’s Oaxaca state bans sugary drinks sale to children

The state of Oaxaca in Mexico has prohibited the sale of sugary drinks and sweet products containing high calories to children. 

The ban aims to safeguard and preserve the health of the entire population from an early age. 

Oaxaca lawmaker Magaly López Domínguez presented the bill to change the state’s children and adolescents’ right law.

The Guardian quoted Domínguez as saying: “It’s important to finally put the brakes on this industry, which has already sickened our country and our children. 

“[The industry] gets into the most remote corners of the state” – known for its mountainous topography – “where there’s often not even medicines, but there’s Coca-Cola.” 

Under the new law, retail outlets selling sugary drinks and high-calorie snack food would be fined or even may lead to store closures. 

Sugary products will now be included in the same category as cigarettes and alcohol, with the introduction of the law. 

A study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found that around “73% of the Mexican population is overweight”. 

Domínguez presented the bill previously, but the outbreak of Covid-19 and the impact it created is said to have given an additional push to restrict the sale of sugary drinks and junk food to children. 

Dominguez added: “This health emergency makes it even more evident the damage caused by the consumption of these sugary drinks. Its approval was timely.” 

In January 2018, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) recommended that the Government of Australia should impose a ban on advertisements for sugary drinks and unhealthy food products that directly target children.