Food labeling in Mexico

Food Labeling in Mexico

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Mexican government
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Territorial extent
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Enacted by	Mexican government
Passed
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Enacted by

Food labeling in Mexico is a regulatory framework implemented by the Mexican government to ensure that consumers have access to accurate and reliable information about the food products they purchase. This article provides an overview of the key aspects of food labeling in Mexico, including the regulations, requirements, and categories.

Regulations and Requirements

The Mexican government has established specific regulations and requirements for food labeling to protect consumers and promote transparency in the food industry. These regulations are primarily governed by the Federal Consumer Protection Law and the Official Mexican Standard (NOM) NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010.

The NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 standard sets out the guidelines for labeling prepackaged food products in Mexico. It covers various aspects, including the mandatory information that must be included on food labels, such as:

• Nutrition facts: The nutritional content of the product, including calories, macronutrients (such as fat, carbohydrates, and protein), and micronutrients (such as vitamins and minerals).
• Ingredients list: A list of all the ingredients used in the product, listed in descending order by weight.
• Allergen information: Clear identification of common allergens, such as gluten, soy, dairy, and nuts, to help consumers with food allergies or intolerances.
• Country of origin: The country where the product was manufactured or produced.
• Net weight: The weight of the product, usually expressed in grams or milliliters.
• Expiration date: The date by which the product should be consumed for optimal quality and safety.
• Storage conditions: Instructions on how to store the product to maintain its quality and safety.
• Barcode: A unique code that allows for product identification and tracking.

Categories of Food Labeling

Food labeling in Mexico can be categorized into different types based on specific characteristics or purposes. Some of the common categories include:

Organic Labeling

Organic labeling is used to identify food products that have been produced using organic farming methods. These methods prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The organic label in Mexico is regulated by the National Organic Agriculture Law and the corresponding certification process.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Labeling

GMO labeling is required for food products that contain genetically modified ingredients. The Mexican government mandates that any food product containing more than 1% of genetically modified material must be labeled accordingly. This requirement aims to provide consumers with the necessary information to make informed choices about the products they purchase.

Front-of-Package Labeling

Front-of-package labeling is a voluntary system that provides consumers with quick and easy-to-understand information about the nutritional content of a product. It typically includes symbols or icons that indicate the product's nutritional value, such as high or low levels of sugar, salt, or fat. The Mexican government has implemented a front-of-package labeling system known as the "Nutritional Warning" system, which uses octagonal symbols to indicate high levels of critical nutrients.

Conclusion

Food labeling in Mexico plays a crucial role in ensuring consumer protection and promoting transparency in the food industry. The regulations and requirements set by the Mexican government aim to provide consumers with accurate and reliable information about the food products they purchase. By understanding the different categories of food labeling, consumers can make informed choices that align with their dietary needs and preferences.