The panel, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, takes aim at earlier plans unveiled by Mexico to gradually substitute the use of genetically engineered corn in products for human consumption and animal feed.
The measure drew criticism from Washington, which said it is challenging measures set out in Mexico's February decree.
"Mexico's measures are not based on science and undermine the market access it agreed to provide in the USMCA," said the US Trade Representative's office in a statement on Thursday.
This refers to a ban on use of biotech corn in tortillas or dough, and instructions to Mexican government agencies to gradually phase out biotech corn in products for human consumption and for animal feed.
"It is critical that Mexico eliminate its USMCA-inconsistent biotechnology measures," said USTR Katherine Tai.
That would allow American farmers to keep accessing the Mexican market and "use innovative tools to respond to climate and food security challenges," she added.
Mexico is a major buyer of yellow corn and imports a significant amount from the United States, where most corn is genetically modified.
The Mexican government's decree in February marked a softened stance on banning genetically modified maize, which had fueled tensions with main trading partner the United States.
While the decree carved out some exceptions, it held firm on banning GMO corn for human consumption.
The latest US move comes after a June request for dispute settlement consultations, but the talks failed to resolve this issue.
Related Links
Farming Today - Suppliers and Technology
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |