Mexican government becomes health conscious, applies tax on 'junk' food

As of the beginning of this month, the Tax Administration Service in Mexico will charge 16 percent Added Tax (VAT) on products called “junk food,” issued after the Third Resolution on Amendments to the Fiscal Resolution 2015.

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According to our sister publication Business Review America Latina, the tax was reported by lawyer Jorge Alberto Pickett Corona, who explained that he considered prepared foods for consumption on the premises or establishment in which are disposed, those resulting from the combination of products that can be consumed without another process undergo further processing.

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Among the products to be taxed are sandwiches, cakes, lunches, ciabatta, baguettes, paninis or subs, gorditas, quesadillas, tacos, flautas, burritos, croissants, pies, pizzas, casseroles, hot dogs, hot cakes, wings, burgers, sushi, tamales, instant soups and nachos.

Pickett Corona announced that this rule shall apply to the sale of the above products in stores referred to as "convenience stores", "mini super,” "self-service stores" and any establishment that sells to the general public.

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He explained further that the measure was stipulated in the annexes of the Omnibus Tax 1-A, 3, 7, 15, 23 and 25, for the purposes of Article 2-A, section I, final paragraph of the VAT Act.

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