Phase 2 of NOM-051: What It Is and Requirements
Phase 2 of NOM-051 will come into effect starting October 1, 2023, and it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the key changes it entails. This regulation drives a series of significant changes that you should be aware of if you are involved in the production or commercialization of these products. Let’s begin by defining:
What is NOM-051-SCFI-SSA1-2010?
It is one of the Mexican Official Standards for Commercial Information that regulates the printed information or front labeling of prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages. On March 27, 2020, the Modification to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación.
The modification announced several changes in the labeling of prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages, including:
Front labeling: A front labeling system with warning seals was established to inform consumers about excessive content of calories, sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and trans fats.
Nutritional information: The way nutritional information is presented on the label was modified to make it clearer and more understandable for consumers.
Prohibitions: The use of children’s characters, animations, drawings, or any other element that may be attractive to children in the labeling of prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages with excess critical nutrients was prohibited.
It was published with two main purposes:
Promote healthy eating habits among the Mexican population by encouraging informed decision-making by consumers when selecting prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
Combat overweight and obesity, which are public health issues in Mexico.
The implementation of the NOM-051 Modification was divided into three phases.
Phase 1 of NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010
From October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2023, front warning labeling (the striking black hexagons), among other changes in the information on the labels of prepackaged foods and beverages exceeding the limits of critical ingredients for health, was implemented:
Highlight tolerance limits in relation to public health demands related to the nutritional information of nutrients, both added and natural, present in the products according to the Ministry of Health.
Emphasize that no food or non-alcoholic beverage should be described or presented falsely, ambiguously, or deceptively, nor create a misleading impression about its nature.
Incorporate truthful and clear property statements about the products.
Include precautionary legends referring to the origin of those ingredients associated with possible health risks, based on scientific information.
Phase 2 of NOM-051
From October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2025 (2 years), the calculation and evaluation of complementary nutritional information will be carried out with the following criteria and values:
Critical nutrients added to the prepackaged food or non-alcoholic beverage:
a) If added sugars are included, sugars and calories should be evaluated.
b) If fats are added, saturated fats, trans fats, and calories should be evaluated.
c) If sodium is added, only sodium should be evaluated.
Table 6 of the modification to the standard regarding Nutritional Profiles, reproduced below:
During this period, several products will likely begin to add warning seals with these new calculations.
Phase 3 of NOM-051 will come into effect on October 1, 2025, and will determine new values for the calculation and evaluation of complementary nutritional information.
What do I need to comply with Phase 2 of NOM-051?
It is necessary to review the current labels and process the NOM Certification, as appropriate, to confirm that the labeling of food products and non-alcoholic beverages has been updated in accordance with the second stage of the standard update.
At TC Logistics, as an Inspection Unit, we can evaluate product labeling to avoid fines and seizures and comply with this second stage. If you still have doubts, contact us! We can advise you. 😉