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Mexico | New Rule On Ham May Be Delayed | A new regulation on ham scheduled t...

Published: Oct 24, 2003

Mexico

New Rule On Ham May Be Delayed

A new regulation on ham scheduled to come into effect on December 12, 2003, may be postponed until February. Mexican meat processors told government officials that the required changes to labels present logistical problems that may be impossible to resolve by mid-December, especially concerning existing inventories.

As it stands, however, the new regulation (NOM.158.SCFI.2003) requires that ham labeling must include the following in Spanish (much of which is already included in the customs declaration):

  • Protein and fat content
  • Whether it is totally or primarily (at least 55 percent) made out of turkey or pork
  • Other ingredients
  • Expiration date
  • Proper identification including address of manufacturer
  • Lot number
  • Brand
  • Kg/gr content
  • Country of origin
  • RDA
  • Refrigeration instructions

The objective of new regulation is to establish the commercial classifications of the different types of ham that are sold in Mexico.  It also establishes physical-chemical, microbiological and organoleptic specifications that these products must have, and the test methods to demonstrate compliance and commercial information that their packaging must contain.

Exporters should consult their distributors or representatives in Mexico to ensure compliance with the proposed new regulation.

For More Information, contact the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Mexico at AgMexico@usda.govor by fax, 011-52-55-5080-2776.

Mexico

New Rule On Ham May Be Delayed

A new regulation on ham scheduled to come into effect on December 12, 2003, may be postponed until February. Mexican meat processors told government officials that the required changes to labels present logistical problems that may be impossible to resolve by mid-December, especially concerning existing inventories.

As it stands, however, the new regulation (NOM.158.SCFI.2003) requires that ham labeling must include the following in Spanish (much of which is already included in the customs declaration):

  • Protein and fat content
  • Whether it is totally or primarily (at least 55 percent) made out of turkey or pork
  • Other ingredients
  • Expiration date
  • Proper identification including address of manufacturer
  • Lot number
  • Brand
  • Kg/gr content
  • Country of origin
  • RDA
  • Refrigeration instructions

The objective of new regulation is to establish the commercial classifications of the different types of ham that are sold in Mexico.  It also establishes physical-chemical, microbiological and organoleptic specifications that these products must have, and the test methods to demonstrate compliance and commercial information that their packaging must contain.

Exporters should consult their distributors or representatives in Mexico to ensure compliance with the proposed new regulation.

For More Information, contact the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Mexico at AgMexico@usda.govor by fax, 011-52-55-5080-2776.