Does Mexico have genetically modified food? Understanding a complex policy

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

As of March 2025, Mexico has officially prohibited the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) corn through a constitutional amendment. This landmark decision is the culmination of decades of legal and cultural debate surrounding the presence of genetically modified food in a nation considered the birthplace of maize. The answer to 'Does Mexico have genetically modified food?' is not a simple yes or no, but rather a reflection of the nation's priorities regarding food security, biodiversity, and trade.

Quick Summary

Mexico's recent constitutional amendment bans the planting of GM corn, citing cultural and biodiversity concerns, while continuing to import GM corn for animal feed and industrial use. The policy follows a long-standing legal battle and a USMCA trade dispute, highlighting the nation's efforts to balance trade obligations with food sovereignty and environmental protection.

Key Points

Constitutional Ban: As of March 2025, a constitutional amendment in Mexico bans the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) corn seeds.
Import vs. Cultivation: While cultivation is banned, Mexico continues to import large quantities of GM yellow corn, primarily from the U.S., for use as animal feed and in industrial products.
USMCA Trade Dispute: Mexico lost a trade dispute with the U.S. over its ban on GM corn for human consumption, leading to the country's pivot toward a constitutional ban focused solely on cultivation.
Protecting Biodiversity: A primary motivation for Mexico's GM corn policy is the protection of its native maize diversity, as Mexico is the crop's center of origin.
Labeling Requirements: Mexico's General Law on Adequate and Sustainable Food mandates warning labels on products containing genetically engineered ingredients.
Cultural Significance: Corn is a central element of Mexican cultural identity, cuisine, and heritage, making its genetic integrity a highly sensitive issue.

A History of Caution and Controversy

Mexico's stance on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is deeply rooted in its cultural and biological heritage. As the center of origin for corn, the country hosts an unparalleled diversity of native maize varieties. This deep connection has led to consistent opposition against the introduction of transgenic corn. The timeline of Mexico's GMO policy is marked by legal battles and presidential decrees:

1998: Mexico implements a moratorium on genetically modified corn.
2013: A class-action lawsuit filed by activist groups results in a court injunction that bans the planting of GM corn.
2020: President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issues a decree to phase out GM corn and glyphosate by 2024, citing health and environmental concerns.
2023: A revised decree maintains the ban on GM white corn for tortillas but delays restrictions on GM yellow corn for feed.
Late 2024: A USMCA trade panel rules against Mexico's ban on GM corn for tortillas, stating it lacked a scientific basis.
March 2025: President Claudia Sheinbaum signs a constitutional amendment banning the planting of GM corn seeds in Mexico, preserving the ban on cultivation while complying with the trade ruling on imports.

Cultivating vs. Importing: A Key Distinction

The recent constitutional amendment solidifies a crucial difference in Mexico's policy: the distinction between domestically grown and imported GM food. The ban on planting GM corn is a permanent, constitutionally protected measure aimed at safeguarding the nation's biocultural heritage and thousands of native maize varieties from potential cross-pollination. However, this does not eliminate the presence of genetically modified food in Mexico. The country continues to be a major importer of GM yellow corn from the United States, which is primarily used for animal feed and industrial applications. Labeling of processed foods with genetically engineered ingredients is now also required.

The USMCA Trade Dispute and Its Aftermath

The controversy surrounding Mexico's GM corn policy escalated into a formal trade dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. challenged Mexico's decrees, arguing they violated the trade agreement by restricting imports without a scientific basis. Mexico defended its position with scientific evidence from CONAHCYT, citing potential health and environmental risks.

Despite Mexico's arguments, the trade panel ruled in favor of the U.S. in December 2024 regarding import restrictions. This led Mexico to shift strategy towards the constitutional amendment, prioritizing national sovereignty and biodiversity through the planting ban while adjusting import policies.

The Justifications for Mexico's Stance

The Mexican government and civil society justify their cautious approach based on several principles:

Biocultural Heritage: Corn is central to Mexican identity, with communities relying on native varieties. Preserving this genetic diversity is a matter of food sovereignty.
The Precautionary Principle: Mexico cites the precautionary principle, suggesting potential risks warrant restrictions.
Health Concerns: Apprehension exists regarding glyphosate, often associated with GM crops.

Comparison: Mexico's GMO Policy vs. US Approach


Feature	Mexico's Policy (Post-2025 Constitutional Amendment)	United States Approach
Cultivation of GM Corn	Banned for all corn seeds, constitutionally enforced.	Widely Permitted, with a high adoption rate (~92% of corn).
Importation of GM Corn	Permitted for yellow corn used as animal feed and industrial purposes; ban lifted for human consumption to comply with USMCA ruling.	Largely Unrestricted, forming a major component of agricultural exports.
Regulation Authority	Oversight is shared by federal agencies, with CONAHCYT providing scientific guidance.	Regulated by the FDA, EPA, and USDA.
Key Motivations	Protecting biodiversity, cultural heritage, food sovereignty, and public health.	Emphasizing scientific consensus on safety and maximizing agricultural productivity.

Conclusion

The question of "Does Mexico have genetically modified food?" reveals a nation navigating a complex web of cultural heritage, food security, and international trade. While the cultivation of GM corn is now constitutionally banned to protect native biodiversity, imports of GM corn for non-tortilla uses continue, a result of balancing domestic priorities with trade obligations. Mexico's journey serves as a powerful example of a country seeking to define its own food future amidst global agricultural and economic pressures. The focus on preserving its native maize varieties and cultural identity remains a central theme, even as it adapts to the realities of international trade.

The path forward for Mexico's GMO policy

The Mexican government plans to monitor and trace imported GM corn and promotes sustainable agriculture using native seeds. Environmental groups are concerned about contamination risks from imported grain. For more information on the USMCA dispute and Mexico's scientific defense, visit {Link: U.S. Right to Know website https://usrtk.org/gmo/mexico-moves-ahead-with-gm-corn-ban-amid-usmca-dispute/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is illegal to plant genetically modified corn in Mexico. A constitutional amendment, passed in March 2025, prohibits the planting of GM corn seeds throughout the country.

Yes, Mexico imports genetically modified yellow corn from the United States, primarily for use as animal feed and for industrial processing. However, a ban on its use for traditional dough and tortillas was upheld by the Mexican government following a USMCA trade ruling.

The ban on planting GM corn is primarily to protect Mexico's extensive native corn biodiversity from potential contamination and to preserve its national biocultural heritage, as maize originated in the country.

Mexico is self-sufficient in non-GM white corn, which is used for traditional foods like tortillas. The policy aims to protect this native white corn. Imported yellow corn, which is mostly GM, is used for animal feed and industrial products.

Yes, the United States initiated a USMCA trade dispute in 2023 after Mexico attempted to ban all GM corn imports. A panel ruled against Mexico's ban on GM corn for tortillas, prompting Mexico to adjust its policy to focus on a constitutional planting ban instead.

No, not all processed foods in Mexico are GMO-free. The country imports GM corn for industrial purposes, and a law passed in April 2024 now mandates labeling for products containing genetically engineered ingredients.

Food sovereignty in this context refers to Mexico's right to define its own food and agriculture policies. By banning GM corn cultivation, Mexico asserts its control over its food system, prioritizing native seeds and traditional farming over foreign biotechnology.