Profeco brings out the heavy artillery against tortillas in ice boxes
It was time. The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) is finally applying the law where it hurts most: in the wallets of those who play with the basic food of Mexicans. They are imposing fines on establishments that sell tortillas stored in coolers, a practice as common as it is unhealthy.
Sanctions are not a simple scolding. They can reach up to four million pesos for violating official Mexican hygiene and labeling standards. It’s not just anything. It is the fundamental food of the basic basket.
According to Profeco, these irregularities affect the quality of the product and the rights of consumers.
The focus is on Tamaulipas… for now
The regulatory offensive has been concentrated mainly in southern Tamaulipas. There, self-service stores, sundries and other businesses have been caught with their hands in the dough (or rather, with their tortillas on the ice).
The obvious question is: why only there? Isn’t the same thing done in other states? Collective memory suggests that this practice is our daily bread in half the country. But hey, something is something.
The message is clear: if you sell an essential product, do the minimum. Adequate conservation and clear information for those who buy it. The rest is playing with people’s health and confidence.
We will see if this campaign remains an isolated case or if it really sets a precedent. History suggests caution, but today at least, there is news.
