Postponement of the Third Phase of Front-of-Pack Labeling for Dairy Products

In a significant decision for the food industry, the third phase of front-of-pack food labeling in Mexico has been postponed until January 2028. Announced in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, this delay provides temporary relief for dairy businesses and other sectors that faced stringent new warning criteria. The updated regulations would evaluate the total nutritional content of products, including natural components, differing from previous focuses on added nutrients like sugar or salt.

This is particularly relevant for dairy products such as natural yogurt, which could receive warning labels due to natural fat or calorie content, despite lacking additives. The delay provides dairy producers with additional time to reformulate products, effectively communicate changes to consumers, and prepare their production systems for the upcoming stringent labeling requirements. The decision aims to mitigate immediate economic impacts, allowing more time for industry adaptation. Justified by the Secretaría de Economía, the postponement intends to support social assistance programs and lessen negative effects of immediate regulatory enforcement.

This also allows consumers and regulated entities to better understand the new, comprehensive labeling information. While the postponement offers an adaptation period, it underscores the challenges faced by producers with new regulations that assess the entire composition of dairy and other food items, marking a shift in nutritional transparency communication.