In an effort to combat the growing childhood obesity crisis, the Mexican government, in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), implemented the new “Healthy Living in Schools” regulation.
Starting March 29, 2025, school cafeterias will be prohibited from selling ultra-processed products with warning labels, promoting healthier eating for students. This measure directly affects more than 200,000 educational institutions in the country, creating both challenges and opportunities for the school food sector.
An urgent measure to address the childhood obesity crisis
According to data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), 36.5 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 11 in Mexico are overweight or obese, which is equivalent to more than 5.7 million minors. Among adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19, the figure rises to 10.4 million.
Faced with this alarming situation, the government is seeking to transform the nutrition system in schools through stricter regulations and the promotion of healthy habits.
What changes will school cafeterias face?
The new regulations establish several mandatory criteria for the operation of cafeterias in public and private schools:
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Prohibition of products with warning labels on the front of food and beverages.
Promotion of the consumption of natural water, eliminating soft drinks and sugary drinks from the menu.
Balanced and nutritious menus, ensuring that each meal covers a specific percentage of students’ daily needs.
Mandatory training for cafeteria staff and parents, promoting healthy eating habits.
Monitoring and sanctions to ensure compliance with regulations in all educational institutions.
While this regulation represents a significant advance in the fight against childhood obesity, it also poses logistical and financial challenges for school cafeterias, which must adapt their offerings and processes to comply with the law.
The technological solution for school cafeterias
Faced with the challenge of complying with these new regulations, technological tools are emerging to facilitate the transition toward healthier school meals. One of these is PayMon, a Mexican startup that digitizes cafeteria management in schools, colleges, and universities. This platform allows cafeteria managers to automate regulatory compliance and streamline processes.
Among the benefits it offers are:
Automatic validation of menus, ensuring they comply with regulations before publication.
Generation of compliance reports available 24/7, facilitating oversight by school authorities.
Parental controls, allowing parents to restrict the purchase of prohibited products for their children.
Training for cafeteria managers, helping them adapt their menus and avoid penalties, saving between 2 and 4 hours in administrative processes.
“The transformation of school meals is already underway, but implementing it can be challenging for many institutions. At PayMon, we are leading this change with innovative technology that makes it easier for cafeterias and schools to offer healthy options without friction,” said Luis Pérez Reyna, Country Head of PayMon.
A Healthier Future for Mexico’s Children
The push for regulations such as “Healthy Living in Schools” marks a milestone in the fight against childhood obesity in Mexico. However, the key to success lies in the collaboration between the government, educational institutions, cafeterias, and families.
Using technology to optimize compliance with these regulations not only facilitates the transition to a healthier eating model but also contributes to developing positive long-term habits. With tools like PayMon, cafeterias can adapt to this new era without affecting their operations or revenue, ensuring that children have access to a balanced diet free of ultra-processed products.
Source: infobae
