Profeco Fails Alpino Panela Cheese for Mislabeling

Mexico City — The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) has identified Alpino brand’s “panela cheese” as an imitation product that attempts to deceive consumers. The agency, which publicizes both quality products and those that mislead buyers, has failed the product for not meeting the legal standard to be labeled as cheese.

Misleading Labeling and Composition

According to Profeco’s laboratory analysis, the product is not actually cheese. The agency explains that while the product admits it is an imitation panela cheese on its label, its presentation is misleading. The word “PANELA” is prominently highlighted on the packaging, a practice that could confuse consumers at the point of purchase.

Profeco emphasizes that for a product to be designated as panela cheese, it must contain only fat and protein derived from cow’s milk. The Alpino brand product, however, contains vegetable fat, which disqualifies it from being classified as cheese and renders it an imitation.

Additional Health Concerns

Beyond the mislabeling, Profeco experts discovered additional defects in the product’s nutritional profile. The analysis found the Alpino product contains excess sodium and saturated fats. Profeco notes that saturated fats are considered unhealthy because they can clog arteries.

The Standard for Authentic Panela Cheese

In contrast, authentic panela cheese is recognized as a good dietary option due to its low fat content. Profeco confirms it is the only cheese included in the healthy recipe book published as part of the Guidelines for the Sale or Distribution of Food or Beverages in School Consumption Establishments at Primary Education Campuses.

Furthermore, authentic panela cheese has a high water content and is rich in casein, a protein found in milk, and butterfat, which is inherent in dairy products. As a result, it can be consumed with confidence by those on a diet.