Health Ministry Launches Soda Reduction Program for Minors
mexico Launches new Campaign to Curb Sugary Drink Consumption
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Mexico is doubling down on it’s efforts to improve public health with a new national campaign aimed at reducing the country’s high consumption of sugary drinks. The initiative,announced this week by President Claudia sheinbaum,emphasizes preventative care and education,recognizing that “health is related to care,prevention and especially sugary drinks,” as stated during a press conference on Tuesday.
Despite implementing a tax on sugary beverages in 2014,Mexico remains one of the world’s highest per capita consumers of soda. Health Minister David Kershenobich highlighted the scale of the problem, noting the alarming statistic that seven out of ten children and adolescents consume these drinks daily, frequently enough even with breakfast. A single 600 ml serving can contain a staggering 12 to 15 teaspoons of sugar.
The consequences of this high consumption are severe. In 2024 alone, heart disease accounted for 190,000 deaths in mexico, while diabetes contributed to 112,000, raising concerns about the capacity of the healthcare system to cope with the ongoing burden. ”One wonders if we have a way to treat these people as we continue to have such a high mortality rate,” Kershenobich remarked, underscoring the critical need for preventative measures.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to prevention
The new Health ministry campaign will focus on public education, promoting healthy consumption habits and nutritional awareness from a young age. This builds on existing initiatives like the “live Healthy, Live Happy” program, launched in February 2025 by President Sheinbaum, which aims to reduce junk food and sugary drink consumption among children. A related effort, a ban on junk food in Mexican schools, is also underway.
The Debate Over Taxation
While the current campaign prioritizes education, the question of increasing the soda tax remains a topic of debate among health experts. Even though the initial tax in 2014 did lead to a temporary reduction in consumption,its effectiveness has waned over time.
Judith Senyacen Méndez, deputy director of research at the Center for Economic and Budgetary Research, suggests a 20% tax increase could reduce consumption by 16% to 19%. iván Bremeunea, coordinator of the Fundar Center of Analysis and Research’s Tax Justice program, goes further, arguing that a 20% tax could potentially reduce obesity cases by up to 970,000 and generate over 104 billion pesos (approximately US $2.5 billion) in annual revenue. Even a smaller 6% increase, Bremeunea contends, could lower obesity rates by 3.2%.