Yes, slapjacks are legal in Mexico as long as they comply with the General Health Law and Federal Consumer Protection Law, but their sale is restricted to licensed establishments. The 2026 amendments to NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 now require explicit ingredient labeling for high-sugar products like slapjacks, aligning with Mexico’s obesity prevention policies. Local health departments, such as the Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS), enforce these rules, particularly in states with high childhood obesity rates like Nuevo León and Mexico City.
Key Regulations for Slapjacks in Mexico
- Ingredient Disclosure: All slapjack products must list added sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives on packaging under NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010, with penalties for non-compliance including fines up to MXN 1.5 million.
- Advertising Restrictions: The Ley General para el Control del Tabaco and related health regulations prohibit slapjack advertisements targeting minors, including cartoon mascots or social media influencer promotions.
- Licensing Requirements: Businesses selling slapjacks must obtain a Sanitary License from COFEPRIS, which mandates hygiene standards and inspections for food preparation areas.
Recent 2026 updates to the Ley de los Impuestos Generales de Importación y Exportación also impose tariffs on imported slapjack ingredients exceeding 10% sugar content, incentivizing domestic production under healthier formulations. Non-compliance risks product seizures or criminal charges under Article 238 of the Federal Penal Code for endangering public health.