Mexican Official Standard NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014, Alcoholic Beverages, Health Specifications And Commercial Labeling

On March 23, 2015, the Mexican Official Standard NOM-142-SSA1/SCFI-2014, alcoholic beverages, health specifications, and commercial labeling, was published in the Federal Official Gazette and will come into full force and effect on July 21, 2015.

This Standard seeks to establish the health specifications and commercial labeling of all alcoholic beverages that are commercialized in Mexico and its compliance will be mandatory to all the people or companies that are dedicated to this activity.

In terms of the Norm, purified water must be employed on the elaboration of alcoholic beverages, and if necessary, distilled or mineralized water. Likewise, only vegetal origin ethylic alcohol and ingredients such as gold leaf, chili varieties, agave worms, fruit, candied tree, herbs, and those who do not represent a health risk to consumers, can be used in the elaboration of these products.

Furthermore, the manufacturers will have to demonstrate that the product has not been adulterated during processing, packaging and/or marketing. For such purpose, an up-to-date registry will have to be kept including invoices or documents that confirm the purchase and use of raw materials, movements of the finished...