After nearly three weeks of work by USA Rice Federation members, staff and administration officials in Washington and Mexico City, officials from Mexico’s Ministry of Health has informed the U.S. Embassy that holds and testing requirements on milled rice imported from three U.S. suppliers have been lifted.

The announcement was made following contact by U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual with the Minister of Health; an announcement by Mexico of negative tests results for unspecified micotoxins and genetically modified traits on samples of U.S. milled rice; and after extensive technical and market information was provided to Mexican officials.

“The U.S. government in Washington, and at the U.S. Embassy, with the support of rice leaders on Capitol Hill, got to work right away and didn’t stop until this trade disruption was removed,” USA Rice President and CEO Betsy Ward said.

“Mexico is the largest single country export destination for U.S. rice and the market is critical to the economic health of rice producers, millers and exporters. This is an excellent example of industry/government collaboration to solve a critical trade problem.”