Mexico recalls instant soups due to misleading information

A total of 129,937 packages of instant soups of nine brands were withdrawn from the Mexican market according to a decision of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) due to misleading advertising.

Profeco's director, Ricardo Sheffield, said that the withdrawal of these products from the market was due to the fact that they do not comply with what they say on the respective packaging. "Kissing a chicken you get more chicken than with these soups", said the official by way of warning and mockery. Instant soups are very popular products among Mexicans due to their low cost and easy access.

The decision was made after carrying out a study where 33 instant soups were analyzed: according to the preparation instructions indicated "on the label, contained in cups, bowls or sachets, as well as quick preparation pasta soups in different presentations", said the report of the government agency.

One of the most affected brands was Maruchan ramen, since it says on the packaging that it contains vegetables, but in reality it contains dehydrated carrots the size of a fingernail, according to Sheffield Padilla's report. Similarly, Knorr soups was notified, which also sought to hide the caloric value and the amount of sugar provided on the packaging.

The Attorney General's report also warns that heating the cup containing the instant soups in a microwave oven releases chemicals due to the heat effect, which is also unhealthy. Profeco divided the products into four categories: soups in a cup or bowl; soups in a cup or bowl with cheese or cheese flavor, with tomato or meat; noodle soups; and ramen or oriental noodle soups.

"The products indicated are subject to administrative actions and for the infractions to the Law that in its case correspond," said the agency of those products that it marked with the seal "Do not comply".

The instant soups in cups or bowls that will be initially withdrawn from the market are: J-Basket, from Korea; Nongshim, from the United States, and Udon, from Korea. Also affected were those with cheese, tomato or meat flavors on their labels: Knorr Pasta Lista (fusilli with cheese-flavored sauce and a touch of herbs), from Germany, and Kraft (macaroni & cheese), from the United States. The only noodle soup that does not comply with Profeco's regulations is the Mexican Selecto Brand.

Regarding ramen or oriental noodle soups, Buldak Cheese, from South Korea; Chikara Udon, from the United States; two types of Myojo, from the United States and Japan, and two types of Sapporo, from the United States, will be withdrawn from the Mexican market.

Last weekend, Internet users shared memes on social networks expressing their dissatisfaction with this fact and pointed out that other products harmful to health, such as cigarettes and alcohol, should be withdrawn from the market. According to the World Instant Noodle Association (Wina), Mexico ranks 15th internationally in the demand for instant soups and is the second country in Latin America that consumes them the most, after Brazil.