Overview
- Profeco’s July study in Revista del Consumidor analyzed 26 ham products and one vegan imitation against Mexico’s NOM-158-SCFI-2003 labeling standards.
- All tested hams and the vegan alternative met sanitary quality norms under NOM-122-SSA1-1995 and NOM-145-SSA1-1995 but failed to provide clear and accurate commercial information.
- Laboratory results revealed three brands underreported sodium, two brands overstated protein, two Bafar products overstated fat, and one turkey ham exceeded permitted nitrite levels.
- The vegan Benji ham imitation also misrepresented its nutrient content by overstating protein and understating sodium.
- Profeco has formally notified Cofepris and SADER to review violations and is coordinating potential sanctions, immobilizations or market withdrawals.