We wanted to share some information on Mexico's groundbreaking new law on adequate and #sustainable #nutrition, that aims to tackle the pressing challenges of diet-related non-communicable diseases (#NCDs) and #environmental #sustainability. It was put into effect a few months ago (April 18, 2024). The law represents the constitutional right to nutritious and quality food, positioning Mexico as a leader in progressive #foodpolicy. With few countries implementing comprehensive measures in this area, Mexico's initiative is a significant step towards healthier food systems and a sustainable future and can serve as a model for other countries. Read more in this The Lancet Article written by Elisa Pineda and team that was published last month: 👉https://lnkd.in/gZ9Xejy8 also in a USDA report 👉https://lnkd.in/gpH4BYeR 👉link to law https://lnkd.in/d5dXY39r #Mexico's new Law includes several specific measures to promote sustainable nutrition. The law establishes the human right to nutritious, sufficient, and quality food. It creates the Intersectoral System for Health, Nutrition, Environment, and Competitiveness (SINSAMAC) to encourage effective planning and implementation across various governmental levels, promoting equitable food production, distribution, and consumption. The law incentivizes social participation by creating #foodcommittees, which allow community involvement in diagnosing problems and implementing strategies. This includes support for local agriculture and active engagement of #farmers. It also aims to regulate the marketing of ultra-processed high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) foods and enhance the availability and promotion of nutritious foods. The law's recognition of #foodsovereignty and self-production is a positive development, promoting a departure from neoliberal industrial production models that harm biodiversity and rely heavily on agrochemicals. This change deals with problems such as the "tequilisation effect," which stems from extensive blue agave cultivation, leading to harmful monoculture practices in areas like Jalisco. It also addresses the significant environmental impacts of the avocado industry, including high water usage and deforestation in Michoacán. These examples highlight the urgent need for regulatory and subsidy support to encourage sustainable, equitable, and culturally appropriate #agroecological practices. The General Law on Adequate and Sustainable Nutrition represents a significant advancement in transforming Mexico's food system. It establishes a comprehensive, #rights-based framework to ensure healthy and sustainable nutrition for all. It also serves as a model for other countries to follow By Aimun Jamal
Useful
UofT Graduate, Masters student at Western Ontario University
2moInteresting article. I wonder what it means for the future of food policy 🤔