Assessing Cigarette Packs Sold in Mexico for Health Warning Label Compliance

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Using the TPackSS protocol, 191 cigarette packs with an in-rotation health warning label (HWL) purchased across five cities in Mexico during October–November 2021 were systematically assessed for compliance with the country’s legally-mandated HWL requirements. 
 
Considering such compliance requirements as HWL location, proper size, warning label elements, and pictogram implementation, this Fact Sheet details areas of concern observed by IGTC, and policy implications based on best-recommendations and opportunities for improved effectiveness.

Associated Content: 

• Poster presentation: Health warning label compliance in Mexico: Tobacco industry exploiting strong legislation (Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco Annual Meeting, 2023)
• Publication: Hartmuller R, Grilo G, Cohen JE, Welding K, Reynales-Shigematsu LM, Smith KC. Tobacco industry’s use of outer packaging in Mexico increases product marketing space. Tobacco Prevention and Cessation. 2024;10(February):6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18332/tpc/179633.
• Select earned media: 
  • Study detects irregularities in cigarette packs sold in Mexico. Milenio, 12/12/23. 
  • Industry further hinders anti-smoking measures in Latin America and the Caribbean. La Jornada, 12/13/23. 
  • Despite regulations, cigarette packages fail to comply with warnings in Mexico. Excelsior, 12/16/23. 

Acceda a la versión en español de esta infografía en nuestra página de recursos en español. 

Access the Spanish-language version of this fact sheet on our Spanish resource page.