Profeco Clarifies: No Fines for Selling Tortillas in Coolers or from Motorcycles

The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) has clarified that it cannot impose fines on businesses for selling tortillas in coolers or transporting them on motorcycles. This announcement comes after statements made by its delegation in Tamaulipas sparked public concern and misinformation.

The Initial Controversy

The confusion arose when the director of the Consumer Defense Office (Odeco) Gulf-North Zone, in Tampico, Tamaulipas, suggested that businesses selling tortillas in this manner could face financial sanctions of up to 4 million pesos. This claim quickly circulated on social media, causing widespread alarm among vendors.

Profeco’s Official Stance

Profeco has since clarified that it does not have the authority to sanction businesses based on sanitary conditions or food handling practices. These responsibilities fall under the purview of other health authorities. The agency emphasized that the reported fines of up to 4 million pesos were incorrect. [Source: Uno TV]

What Profeco *Can* Monitor

Despite not having jurisdiction over hygiene standards, Profeco does have specific responsibilities related to tortilla sales. Through the Corn–Tortilla Agreement, the agency focuses on:

• Monitoring tortilla prices in over 600 tortilla shops through the “Who’s Who in Prices” program.
• Verifying that establishments display prices visibly to consumers.
• Checking and calibrating scales to ensure accurate weight measurements.

Profeco also verifies compliance with Official Mexican Standard NOM-187-SSA1-SCFI-2002, which outlines provisions related to products derived from dough and tortillas, but again, cannot sanction for sanitary conditions. [Source: LodeHoy]

The Tamaulipas Situation

The initial concerns in Tamaulipas stemmed from a recommendation by Odeco Gulf-North Zone to suspend the sale of tortillas in coolers on public roads, citing potential health risks. The head of that office, Manuel Leal Villarreal, aimed to ensure the product was marketed under adequate hygiene and storage conditions. Reports initially indicated that sanction proceedings had begun against at least four self-service stores. But, Profeco’s clarification has effectively nullified these concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Profeco cannot fine businesses for selling tortillas in coolers or transporting them on motorcycles.
• Sanitary conditions and food handling are the responsibility of other health authorities.
• Profeco’s role is to monitor prices, consumer information and marketing practices related to tortillas.

Profeco continues to emphasize its commitment to fair and transparent consumer relations and will continue to provide guidance to both suppliers and consumers. [Source: Vox Populi Noticias] [Source: Hoy Victoria]