Officials to start enforcing chile law

KRQE TV

Updated: Jun 26, 2012 11:35 AM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) — Chile is a source of great pride in New Mexico and making sure those delicious red and green peppers stay authentic is about to be enforced by law.

Earlier this year lawmakers passed a law that says any Chile product marketed as being made in New Mexico, but be just that, made in New Mexico. The law went into effect Sunday.

Why would there be a need for such a law that seems to rhetorical?

Officials discovered that some of those “New Mexican” Chile products being sold were actually being imported from other countries like Mexico, Peru and even China.

“If you’re saying you’re buying New Mexico Chile, you need to back it up and support your growers and farmers,” said Arian Gonzales, one of the owners of Cervantes Restaurant.

Cervantes is a nearly 40-year-old family owned restaurant and business that serves and sells authentic New Mexico Chile.

Gonzales also pushed for the New Mexico Chile Advertising Act.

Now any company growing or selling a product that is advertised as New Mexico Chile must fill out a verification form with the state. Any imposters caught will have their products pulled by the state.
 

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