New Labeling Law in Mexico Favors Healthy Choices

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO -- Obesity is a major health challenge in Mexico and the López Obrador administration is pursuing aggressive avenues to improve the consumption habits in the country.  To aid consumers in identifying healthy foods, a new law is being implemented that requires front-of-pack labeling with warnings and legends to alert consumers about high levels of sugar, sodium, calories, and/or saturated fat.
 
Food manufacturers of domestic and imported prepackaged, processed foods and non-alcoholic beverages must add these large, dramatic labels to the front of packaging for foods that are deemed “unhealthy” by October 1, 2020.
 
“Rice is not expected to be impacted by this legislation since it is one of the healthy products the population is encouraged to consume,” said Tim Walker, chair of the USA Rice Western Hemisphere Promotion Subcommittee.  “USA Rice promotions in Mexico have always emphasized the nutritional benefits of rice.  Current research is delving deeper into the ways rice consumption improves health and whether there are additional physiological benefits.”  
 
For nearly a decade, USA Rice has worked with Mexico’s National System for Integral Family Development, a public institution of social assistance that focuses on strengthening and developing the welfare of Mexican families.  Activities have focused on the positive results that eating a balanced diet has on a family’s overall nutritional intake.

“Because Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. rice, and last year accounted for nearly one quarter of U.S. rice exports at 850,000 MT, we are very engaged in promotions there, especially those that speak to the health and well-being of U.S. rice consumers,” said Walker.