NOM-051: labeling changes that will impact your product in 2028
NOM-051 in Mexico regulates the front-of-pack labeling of prepackaged non-alcoholic foods and beverages. Its purpose is to provide consumers with clear and visible information about critical nutritional contents such as sugars, calories, saturated fats, and sodium. This regulation has transformed the labeling landscape through progressive modifications implemented in three phases.
Since October 2020, we have seen how NOM-051 and its amendments have impacted the way products are presented in the market. The first phase introduced the black NOM-051 warning octagons, precautionary legends such as “Excess of…,” and the prohibition of using animated characters or celebrities on products aimed at children. Subsequently, the second phase, in force since October 2023 and now extended until December 31, 2027, tightened the limits for critical nutrients and adjusted the rules for nutritional claims.
The third phase of NOM-051 was originally scheduled to take effect in October 2025, but a recent announcement extended the compliance deadline. This does not mean the changes have been canceled; rather, the new deadline to comply with this phase is January 1, 2028. These modifications will be even more stringent and require early preparation.
Key Changes in the Third Phase of NOM-051:
- Lower thresholds for added sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and calories, increasing the likelihood that products will carry one or more NOM-051 warning seals
- Restrictions on claims such as “light,” “natural,” or “low fat” on products containing sweeteners or non-obvious levels of sodium and sugar
- Prohibition of statements such as “Source of fiber” or “Fortified with vitamins” if the product carries warning seals, to prevent misleading health perceptions
- Products may display up to five warning seals and two precautionary legends
- More frequent audits by COFEPRIS and PROFECO, with the possibility of sanctions and product withdrawals for non-compliance
Who does this regulation apply to?
All manufacturers, importers, distributors, and marketers of non-alcoholic foods or beverages that wish to sell through physical retail stores or e-commerce platforms within Mexico.
What does this mean for your company?
Although the deadline has been extended, waiting is not recommended. This additional time should be used to reformulate products, review ingredients, design new packaging, and adapt labeling in compliance with NOM-051. Doing so will allow you to meet the third-phase requirements without setbacks.
For imported products, compliance with Mexican labeling regulations is mandatory, regardless of whether the product already includes nutritional information in its country of origin.
Start preparing now
Phase 3 of NOM-051 represents a challenge, but also an opportunity. Acting early will not only help you avoid fines and penalties, but also allow you to position your brand as a healthier, more trustworthy option aligned with regulatory requirements.
At our company, we are experts in NOM-051 labeling. We guide you step by step to comply with the changes without losing your brand identity or market presence. Contact us today and get ready to successfully comply with the third phase of NOM-051.
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NOM-051 in Mexico regulates the front-of-pack labeling of prepackaged non-alcoholic foods and beverages. Its purpose is to provide consumers with clear and visible information about critical nutritional contents such as sugars, calories, saturated fats, and sodium. This regulation has transformed the labeling landscape through progressive modifications implemented in three phases.
Since October 2020, we have seen how NOM-051 and its amendments have impacted the way products are presented in the market. The first phase introduced the black NOM-051 warning octagons, precautionary legends such as “Excess of…,” and the prohibition of using animated characters or celebrities on products aimed at children. Subsequently, the second phase, in force since October 2023 and now extended until December 31, 2027, tightened the limits for critical nutrients and adjusted the rules for nutritional claims.
The third phase of NOM-051 was originally scheduled to take effect in October 2025, but a recent announcement extended the compliance deadline. This does not mean the changes have been canceled; rather, the new deadline to comply with this phase is January 1, 2028. These modifications will be even more stringent and require early preparation.
Key Changes in the Third Phase of NOM-051:
- Lower thresholds for added sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and calories, increasing the likelihood that products will carry one or more NOM-051 warning seals
- Restrictions on claims such as “light,” “natural,” or “low fat” on products containing sweeteners or non-obvious levels of sodium and sugar
- Prohibition of statements such as “Source of fiber” or “Fortified with vitamins” if the product carries warning seals, to prevent misleading health perceptions
- Products may display up to five warning seals and two precautionary legends
- More frequent audits by COFEPRIS and PROFECO, with the possibility of sanctions and product withdrawals for non-compliance
Who does this regulation apply to?
All manufacturers, importers, distributors, and marketers of non-alcoholic foods or beverages that wish to sell through physical retail stores or e-commerce platforms within Mexico.
What does this mean for your company?
Although the deadline has been extended, waiting is not recommended. This additional time should be used to reformulate products, review ingredients, design new packaging, and adapt labeling in compliance with NOM-051. Doing so will allow you to meet the third-phase requirements without setbacks.
For imported products, compliance with Mexican labeling regulations is mandatory, regardless of whether the product already includes nutritional information in its country of origin.
Start preparing now
Phase 3 of NOM-051 represents a challenge, but also an opportunity. Acting early will not only help you avoid fines and penalties, but also allow you to position your brand as a healthier, more trustworthy option aligned with regulatory requirements.
At our company, we are experts in NOM-051 labeling. We guide you step by step to comply with the changes without losing your brand identity or market presence. Contact us today and get ready to successfully comply with the third phase of NOM-051.
NOM-051 in Mexico regulates the front-of-pack labeling of prepackaged non-alcoholic foods and beverages. Its purpose is to provide consumers with clear and visible information about critical nutritional contents such as sugars, calories, saturated fats, and sodium. This regulation has transformed the labeling landscape through progressive modifications implemented in three phases.
Since October 2020, we have seen how NOM-051 and its amendments have impacted the way products are presented in the market. The first phase introduced the black NOM-051 warning octagons, precautionary legends such as “Excess of…,” and the prohibition of using animated characters or celebrities on products aimed at children. Subsequently, the second phase, in force since October 2023 and now extended until December 31, 2027, tightened the limits for critical nutrients and adjusted the rules for nutritional claims.
The third phase of NOM-051 was originally scheduled to take effect in October 2025, but a recent announcement extended the compliance deadline. This does not mean the changes have been canceled; rather, the new deadline to comply with this phase is January 1, 2028. These modifications will be even more stringent and require early preparation.
Key Changes in the Third Phase of NOM-051:
- Lower thresholds for added sugars, saturated fats, sodium, and calories, increasing the likelihood that products will carry one or more NOM-051 warning seals
- Restrictions on claims such as “light,” “natural,” or “low fat” on products containing sweeteners or non-obvious levels of sodium and sugar
- Prohibition of statements such as “Source of fiber” or “Fortified with vitamins” if the product carries warning seals, to prevent misleading health perceptions
- Products may display up to five warning seals and two precautionary legends
- More frequent audits by COFEPRIS and PROFECO, with the possibility of sanctions and product withdrawals for non-compliance
Who does this regulation apply to?
All manufacturers, importers, distributors, and marketers of non-alcoholic foods or beverages that wish to sell through physical retail stores or e-commerce platforms within Mexico.
What does this mean for your company?
Although the deadline has been extended, waiting is not recommended. This additional time should be used to reformulate products, review ingredients, design new packaging, and adapt labeling in compliance with NOM-051. Doing so will allow you to meet the third-phase requirements without setbacks.
For imported products, compliance with Mexican labeling regulations is mandatory, regardless of whether the product already includes nutritional information in its country of origin.
Start preparing now
Phase 3 of NOM-051 represents a challenge, but also an opportunity. Acting early will not only help you avoid fines and penalties, but also allow you to position your brand as a healthier, more trustworthy option aligned with regulatory requirements.
At our company, we are experts in NOM-051 labeling. We guide you step by step to comply with the changes without losing your brand identity or market presence. Contact us today and get ready to successfully comply with the third phase of NOM-051.
