What is Mexico's food labeling standard (NOM-051)?
In Mexico, the primary regulation governing the labeling of pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages is the Official Mexican Standard, known as NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010. This standard was significantly amended in 2020 to introduce clearer, more comprehensive labeling intended to help consumers make more informed dietary choices and combat diet-related diseases. The law applies universally to all relevant products sold in Mexico, regardless of whether they are domestically manufactured or imported.
The front-of-pack warning system
A central feature of the updated NOM-051 is the mandatory front-of-pack (FOP) labeling system. This involves a set of black, octagonal warning seals prominently displayed on the main face of the product packaging. These 'excess' seals inform consumers at a glance if a product exceeds specific nutritional thresholds for calories and other critical nutrients.
- Excess Calories:
EXCESO CALORÍAS - Excess Sugars:
EXCESO AZÚCARES - Excess Saturated Fats:
EXCESO GRASAS SATURADAS - Excess Trans Fats:
EXCESO GRASAS TRANS - Excess Sodium:
EXCESO SODIO
Additionally, rectangular legends are required for products containing caffeine or non-nutritive sweeteners, with specific warnings advising against consumption by children.
Key requirements beyond FOP seals
In addition to the FOP warning seals, NOM-051 requires comprehensive nutritional and commercial information to be included on the packaging. Key elements include:
- Nutrition Facts Panel: A full nutritional table is required, detailing the energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and sodium content per 100g or 100ml. The phrase
azúcares añadidos(added sugars) must also be listed. - Ingredient List: Ingredients must be listed in descending quantitative order by weight. All substances that can cause allergies or intolerance must be explicitly mentioned and highlighted.
- Marketing Restrictions: Products with one or more warning seals are prohibited from using appealing elements like cartoon characters, mascots, celebrities, or promotional content to attract children.
- Language: All mandatory information must be presented in Spanish, though additional languages are permitted.
Requirements for imported goods
For international companies looking to sell products in Mexico, compliance with NOM-051 is not optional. All imported pre-packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages must meet the same labeling standards as domestically produced goods. Importers have a few options to achieve compliance:
- Labeling products before importing them into Mexico.
- Labeling products inside Mexico at an accredited warehouse.
- Labeling products at a private address in Mexico under the supervision of an accredited verification unit.
The evolution of Mexico’s labeling laws
Mexico's move towards its current strict labeling standards did not happen overnight. In 2014, Mexico adopted a simpler front-of-pack system based on Daily Dietary Guidelines (GDA), but this proved ineffective at addressing the country's public health crisis. This led to the comprehensive overhaul in 2020 and subsequent phases of implementation. The final, most stringent phase (Phase III) was originally set for late 2025 but has been postponed to January 1, 2028, to give manufacturers more time to adjust. This phased approach demonstrates Mexico's commitment to progressively improving public health outcomes through regulation.
Mexico's Labeling System vs. the US FDA
| Feature | Mexico (NOM-051) | United States (FDA) |
|---|---|---|
| Front-of-Pack Warnings | Mandatory black octagonal seals for excess calories, sugars, fats, and sodium; rectangular legends for sweeteners and caffeine. | Not mandatory. A variety of voluntary front-of-pack labeling schemes exist, but no single standard warning system. |
| Reference Serving Size | Standardized serving size of 100g or 100ml for easy comparison across products. | Based on a 'Reference Amount Customarily Consumed,' which can vary significantly between products and packages. |
| Added Sugars | Explicitly declared on the Nutrition Facts panel, and an 'Excess Sugars' seal is applied if thresholds are exceeded. | Required to be declared on the Nutrition Facts label. |
| Marketing to Children | Prohibited for products with warning seals (no characters, mascots, etc.). | Generally not restricted by the FDA, though industry self-regulation and voluntary guidelines apply. |
| Applicable To | All domestic and imported pre-packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages. | All domestic and imported packaged food and drinks. |
Conclusion
Yes, Mexico absolutely requires nutrition facts, and its regulations go significantly further than simply providing a standard nutrition panel. The NOM-051 standard, with its prominent front-of-pack warning seals, serves as a powerful public health tool designed to inform and influence consumer behavior. It is a critical piece of legislation for anyone involved in the Mexican food market, from local producers to international importers. Understanding and complying with these strict regulations is essential for success and to avoid significant fines and product recalls. For more information on health policies across the region, refer to the Pan American Health Organization's reports on the matter.
