Mexico Proposes Ban on Synthetic Food Colorants Over Health Risk Concerns

Mexico Proposes Ban Synthetic Food Colorants Health Risk Concerns

の上 June 20, 2025Senate of the Republic of Mexico issued a formal recommendation urging the Ministry of Health to revise national regulations concerning additives and processing aids in food, beverages, and dietary supplements. This proposal aims to update the July 16, 2012, agreement published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, with a strong emphasis on banning synthetic colorants linked to potential health risks. Do consider taking actions ahead before official publication.

Key Regulatory Update

The proposed changes target specific synthetic colorants that have been associated with health concerns. These include: 

  • Red 3: Potentially carcinogenic 
  • Yellow 5 and Yellow 6: Linked to hyperactivity in children そして possible genotoxicity 
  • Blue 1 and Blue 2: Associated with allergic reactions 
  • Caramel IV: Classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer 

These colorants are widely used in processed and ultra-processed products, especially those marketed to children.

Affected Product Categories

This regulatory update primarily affects the following categories: 

  • Cereals 
  • Salty snacks 
  • Sugary beverages 
  • Dairy products 
  • Candies 
  • Baked goods 
  • Soft drinks 

Regulatory Discrepancy with International Markets

The Senate notes a significant regulatory gap between Mexico and countries such as the イギリス そして スイス, where the use of synthetic colorants is more strictly controlled. In many cases, products sold in European markets are formulated without these additives or are replaced with natural alternatives. 

Proposed Measures

To align with international best practices, the Senate has recommended the following actions: 

  • Ban the use of high-risk synthetic colorants 
  • Mandate warning labels on products containing such dyes 
  • Restrict sales of these products near schools and within government-supported food programs 
  • Regulate advertising aimed at children 
  • Harmonize national standards with global regulations 

Why It Matters

These regulatory changes aim to enhance consumer protection, especially among children, by addressing the health risks associated with certain food dyes. The move also seeks to reduce regulatory fragmentation, promote 透明性, and encourage industry-wide shifts toward safer alternatives with minimal burden on compliant manufacturers. 

Who Should Take Note

This update is relevant for regulatory affairs teams, quality assurance professionals、 そして R&D departments in the food, beverage, and dietary supplement sectors, particularly those involved in product formulation そして market compliance. 

次のステップ

Stakeholders are advised to: 

  • Review product formulations for the presence of targeted colorants 
  • Evaluate alternative additives that meet potential future standards 
  • Monitor regulatory communications from the Ministry of Health for formal enforcement timelines 

As the proposal advances, early preparation will help mitigate risks and maintain market access.

RegASK is an AI-driven platform that helps global companies monitor regulatory changes, assess compliance gaps, and manage cross-market requirements.

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よくある質問 

What colorants are proposed to be banned in Mexico?
The proposed ban targets Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2、 そして Caramel IV due to their links to carcinogenicity, hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and other health concerns. 

What types of products will be affected by the proposed ban?
Products such as cereals, snacks, soft drinks, dairy items, and candies—particularly those marketed to children—are expected to be most impacted. 

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