Profeco Denies Fines for Tortilla Sales in Coolers, Clarifies Role

Mexico City — Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) denied it can impose fines on vendors for selling tortillas stored in coolers or transported on motorcycles, following statements that caused confusion among merchants and consumers.

The federal agency explained it lacks authority in any state to sanction businesses for sanitation, hygiene, or food handling issues.

The clarification came after the director of the Consumer Defense Office (Odeco) Gulf-North Zone in Tampico erroneously mentioned potential fines of up to 4 million pesos for these practices.

The institution specified that such sanctions fall outside its legal powers.

Profeco explained its work in the tortilla sector primarily focuses on monitoring fair and transparent commercial practices for consumers.

Through the Corn-Tortilla Agreement, the agency conducts price monitoring in over 600 establishments within the “Who’s Who in Prices” program.

It also verifies that prices are visible to the public and respected at the point of sale.

The institution additionally checks that scales used in tortilla shops are properly calibrated to ensure consumers receive full kilograms.

Furthermore, through Official Mexican Standard NOM-187-SSA1-SCFI-2002, it oversees aspects related to the commercialization of products derived from masa and tortillas.