Who is Mario Delgado Carrillo?
Mario Delgado Carrillo is the Secretary of Education Publica (SEP) in Mexico, a prominent figure responsible for overseeing the nation’s educational policies and initiatives.
Why is Front-of-Pack Labeling Relevant?
Front-of-pack labeling is a crucial tool for promoting healthier food choices by providing clear information on ingredients that, when consumed excessively, pose risks to one’s health. This system aims to empower consumers, especially families with children, to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.
Key Features of Mexico’s Front-of-Pack Labeling
- Five octagonal labels alert consumers about excessive amounts of critical health ingredients:
- “Excess Calories”
- “Excess Sodium”
- “Excess Trans Fats”
- “Excess Sugars”
- “Excess Saturated Fats”
- Two precautionary statements related to caffeine and artificial sweeteners, discouraging their consumption by children:
- “Contains artificial sweeteners – not recommended for children”
- “Contains caffeine – avoid in children”
- For smaller packages, a single numbered label (e.g., “3 labels”) indicates the number of critical health ingredients present in the product.
Implementation and Impact
The new front-of-pack labeling for food and beverages went into effect on October 1, 2020, following the work of a group of experts who, based on scientific evidence, supported public policies aimed at promoting well-being and informing Mexican families to lead healthier lives.
The initiative, driven by the governments of Mexico’s Fourth Transformation, seeks to combat non-communicable diseases—a significant health concern recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This labeling empowers families and consumers to make informed decisions, ultimately aiming to reduce obesity rates and associated morbidity and mortality linked to conditions such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Call to Action: Join the “Live Healthy, Live Happy” Campaign
Key Questions and Answers:
- Q: What is the “Live Healthy, Live Happy” campaign?
A: The campaign, led by Mexico City’s Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, encourages communities and families to adopt healthier lifestyles to create the most healthy generation in Mexico’s history.
- Q: How does front-of-pack labeling benefit consumers?
A: It provides clear, easily understandable information on product ingredients, enabling consumers to make better choices and prioritize healthier options.
- Q: What non-communicable diseases does this initiative aim to address?
A: The primary focus is on reducing obesity and associated conditions like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
