The Non-GMO Project, a prominent organization that verifies non-GMO products, has announced the expansion of its services to Mexico in the wake of the country’s efforts to ban imports of genetically modified corn for human consumption and the herbicide glyphosate. The move comes as Mexico’s President aims to replace GMO corn with domestically grown non-GMO corn and phase out glyphosate use by 2024.
Despite ongoing pressure from the U.S. government through legal disputes under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico’s decree does not ban imports of GMO industrial maize. Glyphosate-based herbicides have been classified as “probable human carcinogens” by international agencies and researchers, prompting concerns about their impact on public health.
Support for Mexico’s food sovereignty is growing among U.S. and international companies, NGOs, and individual citizens who recognize the increasing importance of non-GMO food for future generations. The Non-GMO Project applauds Mexico’s efforts and will verify Mexican products that meet its rigorous standard for GMO avoidance. This will enable Mexican shoppers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase and consume.
The Non-GMO Project’s Butterfly label, which signifies non-GMO status, is already found on more than 100,000 products in the U.S. and Canada. Expanding verification services to Mexico signifies a significant step toward promoting food sovereignty and ensuring consumers can make educated choices about the products they buy, leading to a more sustainable and healthy food system.
Photo by Andre Ouellet on Unsplash
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