Evolution of Food Guidance Guidelines in Mexico, New Paradigms and Challenges to Face

Abstract

Food guidance guidelines in Mexico have evolved from the Food Standards for the Mexican Republic in 1960 to the Food Guide for the Mexican Population in 2020, now known as the 2023 Healthy and Sustainable Food Guidelines for the Mexican Population. These guidelines are adapted to the population’s needs, particularly in response to epidemiological transitions. We compare the latest Mexican food guide with its counterparts in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The results highlight significant progress towards healthier and more sustainable eating habits, yet challenges remain in achieving a meaningful impact on public health. The latest guidelines emphasize healthy and sustainable diets, the production and distribution of food within healthy ecosystems, and the preservation of food culture and species diversity. However, further efforts are needed in the food industry to reduce processed foods, ensure the continuous evaluation and modernization of guidelines, develop specific recommendations for special population groups, and refine food classifications.