Mexico to introduce new food labelling rule to curb obesity

The Government of Mexico will address the issue of obesity and diabetes in the country with the introduction of a new food labelling system.

The Financial Times reported that the government could introduce the new rules as early as next month. This comes as the new system has cleared all the regulatory hurdles.

Food and beverage products must feature warnings if they contain excess salt, sugar or calories.

However, manufacturers feel that product packaging already features the relevant details. This includes sugar, salt, fats and calories per portion as a percentage of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).

A similar labelling system introduced in Chile has reportedly delivered the desired results.

Since 2014, Mexico has been supporting the implementation of taxes on sodas and junk food. Several European countries, including the UK and Portugal, have also adopted the policy.

Mexican National Institute of Public Health director-general Dr Juan Rivera said: “The industry hasn’t realised that we’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic in Mexico.

“75% of adults and 35% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese . . . The state has a duty to protect public health.”

Dr Rivera added that the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Public Health Nutrition Association have all supported the initiative.

He explained that many Mexicans currently get a quarter of their calories from sugary drinks and junk food. They also eat more ultra-processed food than anywhere else in Latin America.