CBAN Backs Mexico's Ban on Genetically Modified Corn

The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) voiced its support of the Mexican decree prohibiting the introduction of genetically modified (GM) corn for food use. The organization says that Mexico's actions are backed by science.

On Jan. 25, 2024, CBAN released an evidence-based analysis supporting the Mexican government's decision to ban GM corn imports for staple foods like tortillas. The Canadian organization was one of the two groups authorized to provide expert comments on GM corn risks to the arbitration panel in this dispute. However, in January, at the request of the United States government, Canadian groups were disinvited based on the technicality that the controversy is solely between the United States and Mexico. Nevertheless, CBAN decided to make its study public.

Canada officially backs the US challenge, even though it does not export corn to Mexico. The GM commodities grown in Canada and exported to Mexico are limited to seeds, canola oil, and soy, unaffected by the Mexican decree. However, the Canadian government argues that all trading partners should approve the same GMOs to avoid regulatory asymmetry in North America, which could lead to trade disruptions.

CBAN emphasizes that Mexico has every right to ban GM corn, aiming to safeguard the integrity of native corn from GM contamination and protect its population's health. The USMCA states that countries are not obligated to authorize genetically modified organisms. Article 24.3.1 of the treaty recognizes each party's sovereign right to establish its environmental protection levels and priorities, as well as to establish, adopt, or modify environmental laws and policies accordingly, notes CBAN.

The Canadian organization argues that insect-resistant GM corn plants are genetically engineered to express a toxin from the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium, damaging the intestines of certain insect types. Nonetheless, Bt toxins in GM crops differ structurally, functionally, and in biological effects from natural Bt toxins. Various studies demonstrate that Bt toxins used in GM plants can harm non-target insect species, such as spiders, wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings, which are predators feeding on target insects.

It has also been discovered that both Bt toxins and genetically modified Bt crops have toxic effects on mammals in controlled animal feeding studies, argues CBAN. Various toxic effects and indications of toxicity have been observed in blood, stomach, small intestine, liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas, says the organization.

The production of GM corn is linked to the use of glyphosate, which gradual prohibition is also included in the decree. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Furthermore, evidence also points to the danger of exposure to residues in food, a concern highlighted by Mexico regarding GM corn.

CBAN highlights that Mexicans consume more corn than anyone else globally, mainly in the form of minimally processed flour for making tortillas. “On average, Mexicans eat almost half a kilogram of corn per day. This is a completely different way of consuming GM corn compared to the corn ingredient diet in highly processed foods common in the US and Canada,” says the organization. 

The US government contends that there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting the Mexican decree. The Canadian organization argues that there are no post-market studies in human populations to determine if adverse health effects have occurred, and without monitoring or labeling of GM foods, such studies are not feasible.

On the occasion of the 100th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum of the US Department of Agriculture, Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative, reiterated that Mexico's agricultural biotechnology policies not only endanger US farmers but also impede crucial innovations needed to address climate and food security challenges, as reported by MBN.

Mexican Minister of Economy, Raquel Buenrostro, stated in a press conference that the federal government is confident it has sufficient arguments to defend the corn ban decree before the dispute panel. The final decision of the panel is expected to be announced in March 2024.