Security & Strategic Review - October 2020

The Mexican state of Oaxaca has taken the unprecedented decision to ban the sale of ‘junk food’ and sugary drinks to children. The Oaxaca authorities believe that the drastic move will help address Mexico’s growing obesity problem, which has been a major public health concern for years. The measure has inspired federal legislators, many of whom propose making the ban national and adopting similar measures against other unhealthy products. But the move has proved controversial with shop owners and the local food industry, who complain that bans have a negative economic impact and argue that their effectiveness in reducing obesity is limited. The public debate over these issues is likely to shape public health policies for the next few years.