The Mexican government has formally announced the new regulations for nutrition labels for food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Under the law, called NOM-051, manufacturers must place octagonal black warning signs on the front of the packaging, stating when a product contains an excess of fats, sugar, sodium, sweeteners and or calories.

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On the back of pack, the products must also carry a nutritional table with information corresponding to 100 gr or 100 ml portion.

Last month, after a challenge from industry, represented by the National Commission of Industrial Chambers (Concamin), a court had granted a provisional suspension of the regulations. However, that suspension was subsequently revoked by a second court.

Representatives along Mexico’s food supply chain – including agro-industrial companies, manufacturers and retail associations – had expressed their concerns, criticising the information that would be presented to consumers and questioning the scientific basis for the seals.

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The changes made to Mexico’s labelling laws were the product of a large public consultation involving government officials, nutritionists, NGOs and industry representatives.

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Thew labels become compulsory on 1 October. Other requirements contained in the regulations, such as eliminating cartoon characters from all packaging and advertising aimed at young consumers, will become compulsory on 1 April 2021. 

The Mexican government has also established a process for the calculation and evaluation of the nutritional information of products affected by the law. It is expected that process will be complete by 1 October 2025.