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.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

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.

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

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

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.