Biosecurity a contentious issue in Mexico

The Law of Biosecurity for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) signed recently by Presidente Vicente Fox is the latest flash point of contention over the idea of lab-altered food crops and medicines.

While the issue raises health concerns in other parts of the world, it is an especially sensitive topic in Mexico because of fears of the impact of altered genes on the world’s original corn species.

Proponents say the new law will spur experiments and allow Mexico to better understand and take advantage of one of the world’s most promising technologies.

Critics, including Greenpeace, condemn the new law as a sellout to profit-minded groups, such as the St. Louis-based Monsanto, the agricultural technology developer, without proper safeguards. At the bottom is the definition of the word "caution." Nearly all sides agree humanity should proceed cautiously with development of "transgenics": the transfer of genes from one organism to another; but few agree on how cautiously.

The "cautionary principle" is the basis for the Cartagena protocol on Biosafety, a 2000 international treaty prescribing how nations should develop and trade in transgenic materials. It has been ratified by 148 countries, including Mexico, United States of America, by far the largest manufacturer and user of transgenic materials and other products did not sign the protocol.

While the North American Commission on Environmental Commission panel found no evidence of harm or benefit from altered corn genes in Mexico, it warned of risks from unforeseen future genetic experiments. It suggested that until Mexico develops its own regulatory system, it should take precautionary steps, such as grinding up the imported corn so the kernels can’t be planted.

That is a way too cautious for industry groups and for the Bush administration which criticized the panel’s recommendations as "fundamentally flawed and unscientific."

The opponents wanted the new law to set out penalties for transgenics producers who "contaminate" farmers’ crops without their permission. They also wanted the law to demand that all transgenic products be labeled for consumers.