Costa Rica Ombudsman’s Office files complaint against GM corn

Costa Rica’s Ombudsman’s Office on Wednesday filed a legal action challenging the constitutionality of permission granted to a Monsanto subsidiary to grow genetically modified corn in the country.

In January, the subsidiary of multinational biotechnology company Monsanto received permission to grow GM corn in a decision that was highly criticized by environmental groups.

The Ombudsman’s Office said in a press release that “growing GMOs has environmental, social, cultural and economic implications for human life.”

The office also noted that Costa Rica’s legislation states that an environmental impact study is mandatory in this case to ensure that growing GM corn will not cause any damage to the environment and to public health.

The complaint also urges the modification of several articles of the country’s Phytosanitary Law that allowed the entry of GMOs into Costa Rica.

The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court will have to decide wheter the legal action proceeds or if it is dismissed.