Mexico’s Front Labeling Recognized as Global Best Practice

Experts acknowledge that the front-of-pack labeling implemented by Mexico’s food industry has proven effective in improving consumers’ purchasing decisions, although measurable impacts on public health are expected to take more time.

During the opening of a workshop focused on the implementation and enforcement of front-of-pack labeling and regulations on food and beverage marketing and advertising, hosted by Mexico and organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), José Moya, Representative in Mexico, PAHO/WHO, stated that front-of-pack labeling has shown strong results in improving population health.

Fabio da Silva, Regional Advisor on Nutrition and Physical Activity for the Americas,  PAHO/WHO, explained that the labeling is grounded in scientific evidence and has improved key elements compared to previous initiatives, by using more visible warning labels and aligning the nutrient profile with the PAHO model. “Our evaluation over the past five years shows that this is one of the best practices in our region. It is inspiring other countries in the Americas and beyond that have yet to adopt such measures,” he said.

Da Silva noted that multiple studies in the region have found that octagonal warning labels are up to twice as effective in guiding purchasing decisions compared to other labeling systems, such as Europe’s traffic light model. “Mexico is ahead of the curve by aligning with the PAHO nutrient profile, because its labeling system can inform the public when a product is high in critical nutrients while also regulating ultra-processed foods,” he added.

He also emphasized that more than 90% of ultra-processed products in Mexico are now regulated. Additionally, he noted that such products pose risks and can negatively affect the entire body, contributing to mental health issues, obesity, several types of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Despite the progress, Da Silva highlighted the need for more time to evaluate the labeling system’s real impact on public health. He estimated that tangible outcomes, such as reductions in obesity and diabetes, particularly among children, may become evident five to 10 years after implementation. “In the meantime, we need to keep monitoring how our purchasing habits and dietary patterns are changing,” he said.

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) and the International Food Policy Study, between 2020 and 2025, the use of front-of-pack labeling in Mexico rose from 52% to 79% among adults, and reached as high as 85% among parents. The most commonly noticed and used warning labels in purchasing decisions are those for calories, saturated fats, and added sugars. Positive dietary changes have also been reported, including a reduction of up to 140kcal /d in daily consumption, increased water intake, and decreased soda consumption.

In October 2025, the third phase of NOM-051 will come into effect, introducing stricter criteria. This phase is expected to result in a slight increase in the number of products bearing warning labels, particularly for saturated fats and sodium, which could trigger further product reformulations. During the first phase of NOM-051, a reduction of 2g/100mL of added sugars was observed in beverages, and the share of products without warning labels in the market rose from 25% to 33%.

In the framework of the event, Mexico was also honored with an award from the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Non-Communicable Diseases in recognition of its implementation of NOM-051, which aligns food labeling regulations with international best practices.

The workshop was designed to strengthen the technical capacity of PAHO Member States. Vanessa García, Chief of the Risk Factors and Nutrition Unit, PAHO, stressed that the meeting fosters the exchange of experiences related to the implementation and enforcement of regulations. The goal is to help countries overcome common challenges and support them in developing specific roadmaps to strengthen the mechanisms for applying and enforcing front-of-pack warning labeling regulations, as well as the promotion and advertising of food and beverages.