Profeco warns of fake cheese brands in Mexico

The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) has raised alarms by revealing that several products sold as Manchego cheese in Mexican supermarkets are not what they promise.

According to the December edition of the Consumer Magazine, some brands use misleading labels and others cannot even be considered authentic cheese, despite being marketed as such.

The analysis included 29 brands and found that at least five of them are processed cheeses that unjustifiably use the word “Manchego” on their packaging. These are Lala, Great Value, Kraft Singles, Zwan Premium, and Fud.

Although they are sold as if they were natural cheeses, their production starts from melted mixtures with additives, preservatives, or colorings.

Profeco recalled that this type of product can contain high levels of sodium and saturated fats, something already warned by scientific literature, as noted in a Science Direct article.

This point becomes relevant considering that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends not exceeding two grams of sodium per day, a measure that is globally surpassed in practice.

Excessive consumption is directly linked to high blood pressure, as well as an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and kidney damage.

The irregularities were not limited to the type of product. Profeco also detected composition errors in two cheeses that are presented as Manchego: Flor de Alfalfa and Golden Hills, both with more fat declared on the label than they actually contain.

For the agency, these inaccuracies can lead to wrong decisions, especially among consumers seeking to control their fat intake.

To this are added failures such as products without manufacturer addresses, incomplete information, bulk-sold pieces that do not meet minimum labeling requirements, and significant variations in sodium, moisture, and protein compared to what is indicated on their packaging.

Profeco recalled that it had already detected similar irregularities in foods like hams, whose labeling also did not correspond to their actual composition.

Faced with this scenario, the agency recommended that consumers carefully read labels, compare prices, and verify that what they purchase corresponds to the product they want to buy.

It also emphasized that its quality studies and alerts not only seek to expose commercial failures but also prevent potential health risks derived from products that do not comply with what they declare.

With these findings, Profeco reaffirms its call to remain alert to imitations presented as authentic Manchego cheese, as the differences between a natural product and a processed one can be decisive both in quality and health.