Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. is pleased to republish this timely item published in the August 24, 2026, issue of Owen’s “Around Latin America” newsletter.
Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) published comprehensive new rules on food additives and processing aids on August 21, 2026, fully replacing the framework that had governed food additives, beverages, and food supplements since 2012. The new Agreement enters into force 60 business days after publication (approximately late November 2026).
The Agreement consolidates permitted, restricted, and prohibited additives and processing aids across eleven annexes covering:
- Functional additives with established acceptable daily intakes (ADIs)
- Additives permitted under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Colorants with established ADIs
- Colorants permitted under GMP
- Sweeteners
- Enzymes
- Processing aids
- Flavorings
- Additives permitted for infant and follow-on formulas
The substantive framework and categories are broadly consistent with the prior rules, but several changes warrant attention.
Colorant limits tightened. For Annex III colorants — those with established ADIs — where prior rules permitted use according to Good Manufacturing Practices without a specific numerical ceiling, the new Agreement establishes maximum use limits. Companies have 24 months from publication to adapt formulations where needed.
Labeling requirements clarified. Additives must be declared in the ingredient list by common name or a recognized synonym listed in the Agreement. Sweeteners carry additional labeling obligations, including declaration of concentration per serving and the applicable ADI where one exists.
Dynamic update mechanism. The annexes will now be updated every three months on the COFEPRIS website, with the full Agreement republished in the Official Gazette every six months. Companies will need to monitor the COFEPRIS additives page actively rather than relying solely on official publications for compliance purposes.
Transition periods. Products or categories not currently listed in Annexes I, III, or VII that are using additives under the prior framework have 12 months to notify their use under the new Agreement. If COFEPRIS determines the use is not acceptable, companies have an additional 24 months to reformulate. Gold, silver, and aluminum colorants not included in the new text have six months to request inclusion and 18 months to eliminate them from formulations if not included.
Key Takeaway: The 2012 additive framework is gone. Companies should review current formulations against the new annexes before the late November entry into force date, flag any colorants with prior BPF-only approvals that now carry numerical limits, ensure additive labeling meets the new declaration requirements, and set up active monitoring of the COFEPRIS additives webpage since the lists can now change quarterly without a corresponding publication.
Link to Agreement on Food Additives and Processing Aids: https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5796825&fecha=21/08/2026