Chile Goes on a Diet

Chile is looking to regulate its way out of an obesity epidemic that plagues countries rich and poor, bringing an estimated 4 million premature deaths per year globally.

The country of 18 million is upending its food culture with sweeping marketing and labelling restrictions, and an 18% soda tax.

In its first 2 years the food law has barred behemoths like Kellogg from plying kids with fun characters or tiny toys, and from advertising during children’s programming, resisting intense opposition from multibillion-dollar food and beverage interests that delayed the law for years.

Food industry advocates say better nutrition education—not labeling restrictions—are the answer.

The New York Times