Mexico’s Agricultural Innovations: A Focus on Sustainability and Food Safety

Key Highlights from the Week in Agribusiness and Food

• Advancing Sustainable Amaranth Production: Mexico prioritizes amaranth for its nutritional and environmental benefits at FAO’s World Food Forum 2025.

• Red Dye No. 3 Ban: COFEPRIS restricts Red Dye No. 3 in processed foods due to health risks, urging companies to seek natural alternatives.

• Lime Price Surge: Security threats and weather disruptions lead to a 39% increase in lime prices, impacting farmers and consumers alike.

• Pest-Free Avocado Regions Certified: Mexico strengthens its phytosanitary status by certifying several avocado-producing areas as pest-free.

• Record-Breaking Fruit Attraction 2025: The event in Madrid showcases Mexican produce, generating significant economic impact and new opportunities in Europe.

Mexico Advances Sustainability and Food Safety at World Food Forum 2025

Mexico City, Mexico – At the FAO’s World Food Forum 2025, Mexico underscored the importance of amaranth as a cornerstone for sustainable development, while simultaneously addressing food safety concerns with a significant ban on Red Dye No. 3 in processed foods.

Amaranth: A Crop for the Future

During the forum, Mexico showcased amaranth as a national priority under the FAO’s OCOP initiative, emphasizing its nutritional, cultural, and environmental significance. The initiative has already established Farmer Field Schools, identified 44 native accessions, and developed four high-protein lines. Additionally, five State Committees have been formed to foster collaboration among producers, academia, and local governments.

The second phase of the initiative will focus on sustainable production, value addition, and integration into national nutrition programs, with support from FAO and South-South cooperation with China. This move is expected to enhance food security and promote healthier diets across the nation.

Red Dye No. 3 Ban: A Step Towards Safer Foods

In a parallel development, Mexico’s health regulatory agency, COFEPRIS, announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) in processed foods, following similar actions in the United States and Peru. The decision comes after studies revealed that exposure to the dye exceeds recommended daily intake levels, raising health concerns.

Companies will have a 24-month period to reformulate their products, with natural alternatives such as beetroot, carmine, anthocyanins, paprika, and lycopene expected to take the place of the synthetic dye. Consumers are urged to read labels carefully, as the additive, often labeled as E-127 or FD&C Red No. 3, is prevalent in foods marketed to children and teenagers.

Lime Prices Surge Amid Supply Disruptions

In other agricultural news, lime prices in Mexico have skyrocketed by nearly 39% through May 2025, driven by security threats, extreme weather, and logistical challenges in key producing states like Michoacan and Colima. Farmers have been forced to reduce operations and limit harvest days, leading to national protests, including the dramatic dumping of limes to protest low purchase prices. Despite a 4% increase in citrus production, supply constraints have kept prices elevated, with no government stabilization measures announced.

Pest-Free Certification for Avocado Regions

In a positive development for the avocado industry, several municipalities across Michoacan, Puebla, Morelos, State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Guerrero, Jalisco, Colima, and Sonora have been certified as free of major avocado pests. This certification, led by SADER and SENASICA, bolsters Mexico’s phytosanitary status and supports its position as the world’s leading avocado exporter. In 2023, avocado exports reached 1.3 million tons, primarily to the United States.

Record-Breaking Fruit Attraction 2025

Finally, the Fruit Attraction 2025 event in Madrid set new records, attracting 121,137 professionals from 152 countries. With 2,485 companies exhibiting, the event highlighted Mexican produce, including berries, Medjool dates, and organic avocados, showcasing year-round availability and new commercial opportunities in Europe. The fair generated an estimated economic impact of US$474 million and supported over 3,000 jobs in Madrid.

As Mexico navigates these developments, the focus remains on enhancing food safety and sustainability, ensuring a healthier future for its citizens and the global community.