The proposal has been under review by the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, and a ruling was expected last month. The Grocery Manufacturers of America sent a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell requesting that Powell intervene with Mexican officials to prevent the legislation from becoming law. GMA said the impact on U.S. farmers, grain handlers, food companies and biotechnology providers would be “enormous” and threatens U.S. relations with Mexico as an ally and NAFTA trading partner. In addition, the association said the proposal was not based on sound science and would confuse and mislead Mexican consumers.
