NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014: Your Essential Guide to Compliance in Alcoholic Beverages Labeling
The Norma Oficial Mexicana (Mexican Official Standard) NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014 governs the sanitary specifications and labeling of alcoholic beverages marketed in Mexico. This regulation is the outcome of collaborative efforts among various institutions and bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks, and the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry, among others.
Understanding NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014
Purpose of the Standard: The primary objective of this standard is to ensure the safety and quality of alcoholic beverages within the national territory. Its application is mandatory for all individuals or entities involved in the production or importation of these beverages, except for products exclusively destined for export.
Regulated Substances: Methanol, aldehydes, and higher alcohols are among the regulated substances, with maximum limits established to ensure the safety of alcoholic beverages.
Compliance Requirement: All individuals or companies engaged in the production or importation of alcoholic beverages in Mexico, except for products destined for export, must comply with this standard.
Regulatory Framework and References
The standard is complemented by various Mexican Official Standards and Mexican Standards, ensuring a comprehensive regulatory framework. These include regulations related to measurement units, commercial information, hygiene practices, and determination of specific substances in food and beverages.
Purpose of References: These references ensure that alcoholic beverages meet broader standards related to health, safety, and quality.
Key Definitions
To fully understand the standard, it’s essential to grasp some key definitions. For instance, ethyl alcohol is defined as the product obtained through alcoholic fermentation of plant raw materials. Additionally, terms such as aging and frosty little tree are specified, essential for understanding certain processes and characteristics of regulated alcoholic beverages.
Sanitary Provisions and Specifications
Sanitary provisions and specifications are fundamental pillars of the standard. These include maximum limits for substances such as methanol, aldehydes, and higher alcohols in alcoholic beverages, ensuring consumer safety. Additionally, criteria for fermentation and distillation are established, along with specifications related to contamination by heavy metals and metalloids.
Ingredients and Additives
The standard allows for the use of optional ingredients, such as fruits or herbs, provided they pose no health risks. Furthermore, the use of additives and coadjuvants is regulated, ensuring compliance with the corresponding Agreement.
Authenticity and Record-keeping
The standard underscores the importance of the authenticity of alcoholic beverages and requires producers to demonstrate that their products have not been adulterated. For this purpose, they must maintain detailed records of raw material acquisition, product movements, and other documents supporting the integrity of the process.
Document Retention Period: Documents supporting authenticity must be retained for at least the equivalent time of one and a half times the product’s shelf life, or at least 2 years.
Ensuring Compliance and Benefits
Compliance with NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014 can prevent potential fines and penalties from regulatory authorities, strengthen consumer trust, and unlock new market opportunities. A certified product becomes a seal of reliability.
How to Ensure Compliance with NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014?
We provide advisory and certification services designed to simplify compliance with the standards established by NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014. Ensure conformity and facilitate the smooth entry of your products into the Mexican market, especially for imports intended for sale in Mexican territory.
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