Mexico obesity: Oaxaca bans sale of junk food to children
The Mexican state of Oaxaca has banned the sale of junk food and sugary drinks to children in an attempt to reduce high obesity and diabetes levels.
Oaxaca is the first state to take the measure in Mexico, which has one of the world's highest rates of childhood obesity.
People breaking the law can be fined and have their businesses closed. Re-offenders face jail terms.
The move comes as Mexico's number of deaths linked to Covid-19 nears 50,000.
Mexico's death toll is the third-highest in the world after the US and Brazil. Experts say being obese or overweight puts you at greater risk of serious illness or death from the virus.
About 73% of the Mexican population is overweight, compared to one-fifth of the population in 1996, according to according to study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Mexicans consume more carbonated drinks per person than any other nation.
Oaxaca is the Mexican state with the highest child obesity rate and the second-highest rate in adults, according to Oaxaca state health data.
The passing of the law was greeted with applause from lawmakers inside the state Congress, but outside shop owners and street sellers were protesting against it.
The law forbids the sale, distribution and promotion of sugary drinks and junk food to those under age. It will also apply to vending machines in schools.
