Article 216 Bis: Mexico Takes a Bold Step Towards Healthier Nutrition
In a significant move aimed at promoting public health, Mexico has introduced Article 216 Bis to the General Health Law, bringing forth crucial regulations that will reshape the landscape of the food and beverage industry. This groundbreaking article, officially published on March 24, 2023, through the pages of the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF Mexico), addresses a pressing concern—trans fats.
Decoding Article 216 Bis: A Transformative Regulation
The newly added Article 216 Bis specifically targets oils, edible fats, and food and non-alcoholic beverages, placing a strict prohibition on the use of trans fats in their industrial production. Commonly found in partially hydrogenated oils, trans fats have long been associated with adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The decree, now enshrined in the General Health Law, also imposes stringent limits on the presence of industrially produced trans fatty acids in these products. Such a regulatory move is crucial, considering that trans fat consumption is estimated to contribute to nearly 20,000 preventable deaths annually in Mexico.
Official Gazette Announcement: March 24, 2023
The significance of this regulatory shift was officially announced through a decree published in the DOF Mexico on March 24, 2023. This decree marks a pivotal moment in Mexico’s commitment to public health, aligning with global efforts to reduce the prevalence of harmful trans fats in the food supply.
Expected Impact and Health Benefits
The prohibition on trans fats in oils, edible fats, and food and non-alcoholic beverages is expected to have a substantial impact on public health. Studies suggest that the consumption of trans fats significantly increases the risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases.
The introduction of Article 216 Bis comes as a response to global health recommendations, with Mexico now joining the ranks of countries like Canada, the United States, and Denmark, which have also prohibited the use of partially hydrogenated oils and trans fats.
Next Steps and Implementation Timeline
The decree specifies that the new regulations will come into effect 180 days from its publication in the DOF, estimated to be around September 2023. The Ministry of Health is anticipated to issue detailed guidelines to ensure effective compliance with Article 216 Bis.
Celebration and Recognition from the Health Sector
The Secretaría de Salud (Ministry of Health) has expressed its satisfaction with the approval of this regulatory amendment. The addition of Article 216 Bis represents a collaborative effort between the health sector, civil society organizations, and the legislative branch.
Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez, the subsecretario de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud, emphasized the positive impact of this measure, asserting that it, coupled with front-of-pack labeling, will contribute to reducing the prevalence and mortality of metabolic cardiovascular diseases.
Global Recognition and Alignment with International Standards
The adoption of Article 216 Bis positions Mexico in alignment with recommendations from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These recommendations advocate for legislative or regulatory measures to limit trans fat content in all foods, prohibiting partially hydrogenated oils.
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