Imagine a person going to the market to buy staple food for his family. He has been warned by well-informed friends to avoid the wealthiest merchant, who is selling unhealthy and hazardous grain. So he quietly bypasses that shop and turns to smaller sellers offering healthier food. Suddenly, the wealthy merchant confronts him, grabs him by the neck, and shouts that he must buy only from him—or face harm. Frightened, the man tells his family that they will continue buying their food elsewhere but will also buy some from the rich merchant, keeping it aside to feed only to animals.
This situation is not far removed from reality. The United States has been pressuring several countries, including India, to purchase its genetically modified (GM) corn stocks, regardless of whether they already produce enough maize or have concerns about potential health risks. Corn, or maize, is a staple food for millions worldwide. In Mexico it is consumed as tortillas, in North India as makki ki roti with mustard greens (where GM mustard is also a concern), and among many tribal communities in India it remains a preferred staple. Unlike the imaginary story, GM corn can also pose hazards when used as animal feed.
When the debate over Bt brinjal was at its peak in India, 17 scientists from Europe, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand wrote to then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh warning of the high risks of GM crops, specifically including GM corn. Their letter stated: “It is not a question of if there are disturbances to gene function and biochemistry but to what degree they will be present within any given GM plant. For example, the levels of more than 40 proteins are altered significantly in the commercialized GM MON810 corn compared to equivalent non-GM corn, which included production of a new allergenic protein.” They also noted that animals fed diets containing Bt corn had shown signs of direct toxicity, while Monsanto’s own studies on Bt cotton showed negative health effects even in short-term feeding trials.
Mexico has led the most prolonged battle against the imposition of GM corn. In its review Mexico Defends GM Corn Restriction with Science (March 2024), the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) reported that Mexico, in a 200-page response to the U.S., presented extensive independent scientific evidence supporting its restrictions on GM corn and glyphosate. The Mexican government argued that far from there being consensus on GMO safety, scientific evidence pointed to negative effects on human health, biodiversity, and the environment.
Mexico’s case includes evidence of risks from direct consumption of GM corn, particularly Bt varieties, which may damage the intestinal tract and organs, cause epigenetic changes, increase antibiotic resistance, and reduce nutritional value. Sixty-six peer-reviewed references were cited. Mexico also presented 16 pages of evidence, with 74 references, on glyphosate residues in GM corn, which have already been detected in Mexican tortillas. Glyphosate has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The Mexican government further highlighted the weaknesses of U.S. regulatory standards, which rely heavily on industry-sponsored studies, lack requirements for animal feeding trials, and fail to ensure long-term safety. As Mexico’s Undersecretary of Agriculture Victor Suárez told Reuters, “To this day we have not seen any scientific studies that have been presented by the U.S. and the companies on the safety of continued consumption over years. So there is no scientific basis for the U.S. and the companies to claim that their corn is safe.”
Another key concern is the risk of genetic contamination of Mexico’s native corn varieties, considered a unique and vital global resource for future plant breeding. Cross-pollination from GM corn could irreversibly damage this biodiversity. Mexican law and international treaties obligate the government to protect native corn, which is also recognized as part of the country’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Support for Mexico’s position has come from scientists, civil society groups, and international organizations. The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) concluded in its report Mexico’s Precaution on GM Corn Safety is Justified that Mexico’s restrictions are backed by sound science and are necessary to safeguard public health and biodiversity. CBAN and other groups have cited studies showing toxic effects of Bt toxins on insects, animals, and potentially humans, as well as dangers from glyphosate exposure.
Mexico’s struggle should serve as an eye-opener for other developing countries, including India. Initially seen as an economic issue under NAFTA, corn imports from the U.S. later emerged as a major health and environmental concern due to the spread of GM crops. Despite attempts to divert GM corn for industrial use and animal feed, it inevitably entered the food chain through meat and dairy products. Efforts to prevent its use as seed also faced difficulties, with reports of genetic contamination.
Between 2004 and 2009, multinational corporations pushed aggressively for GM corn cultivation in Mexico, but widespread public resistance and legal challenges prevented its expansion. Even so, pressures have persisted, reinforced by trade agreements that make it harder to restrict GM crops and seed patenting.
In this context, Mexico’s government, supported by farmers and civil society, has reaffirmed its commitment to protect native corn and public health by resisting GM corn and glyphosate. This struggle deserves international solidarity. Encouragingly, about 80 U.S. public interest groups—including those focused on health, agriculture, consumer protection, and the environment—wrote to the Biden administration in April 2024, urging it to respect Mexico’s sovereignty and its right to adopt precautionary food safety policies.
The case of Mexico illustrates the urgent need for all countries, particularly those where corn is a staple, to remain vigilant in protecting food safety, biodiversity, and cultural heritage against the risks of GM crops and harmful agrochemicals.
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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Planet in Peril, Protecting Earth for Children, Man over Machine, and A Day in 2071
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