Product labeling in Mexico begins 2nd phase

The labeling of products in Mexico will begin a second stage as of April 1, 2021, according to the official program.

Regarding this, the United States Department of Agriculture informed US companies of processed foods and non-alcoholic beverages interested in the Mexican market about the updates of the new modifications in the labeling of products on the front of the package that was originally implemented on 1 October 2020 as the first phase of its three-phase implementation program.

In effect, on April 1 another set of requirements will come into effect that regulates endorsements and claims from associations that place their seals on product packaging.

It will also include the legends for nutritional recommendations.

Product labeling

Domestic and imported processed and prepackaged retail foods and non-alcoholic beverages in Mexico are subject to product labeling regulations, including the requirement for front-of-package labeling.

Already on January 27, 2021, Profeco published updated requirements in the Official Gazette of the Federation that stipulates that the inclusion of recommendation seals and legends endorsed by organizations and associations must be approved by Profeco itself.

As of January 28, associations that wish to include their stamps or nutritional recommendations on processed foods and non-alcoholic beverages must demonstrate to Profeco that there is scientific and objective evidence for the claim and must register with this authority.

According to the requirements, associations must register with Profeco, and in the case of foreign associations, the registration must be carried out by a legal representative in the country.

In order to obtain the registration, it is necessary to certify that the association is more than five years old, that it has an RFC and that it presents certifications, recognitions and authorizations that prove that the association has professional prestige and academic quality.

In addition, the interested parties must present the following required information:

• Name or denomination of the prepackaged product being promoted.
• Brand.
• Net content.
• Country of origin.
• Expiration date.
• Batch identification.

Procedure

The registration will be accredited by Profeco and is valid for one year; must be renewed annually.

The purpose of the registry is to record that each organization or association that issues a nutritional stamp or legend has the recognition of the regulatory authorities that the organization’s claims comply with its scientific, objective and reliable evidence.