Perceptions on the General Guidelines for the Sale of Food and Beverages at an Elementary School in Mexico City

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To document the perceptions of an elementary school director in Mexico City concerning the implementation of guidelines for vendors of food and beverages in schools (the Guidelines). Methods We interviewed the director of an elementary school in order to document his perceptions of the Guidelines, his experience –including the day-to-day difficulties encountered– while implementing them, the actors involved in this process and the food and beverages sold at his school. Data analysis was performed through Atlas-ti ® software. Results The level of information reported by the director on the origins of the Guidelines was adequate. Among the causes he referenced for their introduction was the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes, which he indicated warranted the regulation of food and beverage sales in schools. With regard to the foods and beverages permitted for sale, the information reported was only partial; he recognized that restricted foods were in fact being sold. Information on the Guidelines had been transmitted to him orally by the school district supervisor, and he was provided no list of permitted and prohibited foods and beverages. There were no documents or teaching materials available in the school which could be used for disseminating this information and for training the members of the school committee in charge of supervising the implementation of the Guidelines. To ensure compliance with the Guidelines, the director advised that a specific committee composed of parents and the school district supervisor was monitoring the quality, hygiene and nutritional value of the food. The director believed that prohibiting sugary drinks in schools had produced a substantial and positive change: students had reduced their consumption of soda with favorable health results. In addition, he affirmed that, owing to the implementation of the Guidelines, the students had access to nutritious and quality food. Conclusions Although the school director is a key actor for ensuring Guideline compliance, he lacks the necessary information for implementing the Guidelines correctly given a lack of teaching material and adequate training. Funding Sources National Institute of Public Health.