Organic products

This company manufactures or distributes products that are certified organic under the Australian Certified Organic label.

Source: ACO (2022)

Lack of micronutrients in Mexico

While Mexico has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, certain micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, continue to be a public health concern. In response the Mexican government passed laws for the mandatory fortification of both wheat and maize the early 2000s. Changing Markets' 2019 report, 'Daily Bread', reveals that companies making tortillas and breads are often not using flour that complies with the law. The report found that out of the seven tortilla products tested in their study from Gruma, none contained adequate levels of iron or zinc - despite Gruma stating that: "we produce a food staple with high nutritional value for the general health and welfare of our consumers".

Source: Changing Markets (2019)

Corruption in Mexico

This New York Times article from 1996 explains how Gruma's cornflour brand Maseca benefited enormously from Government policies aimed at nothing less than changing the way Mexicans eat, substituting corn flour mass-produced by Maseca for the fresh corn dough that had been the staple for generations. Gruma CEO Roberto Gonzalez Barrera was lifelong friends with Carlos Salinas de Gortari, who was President of Mexico from 1988 to 1994.

Source: New York Times (1996)

Non-GMO products in USA

This company has products that have been verified as compliant with the Non-GMO Project Standard, North America's only independent verification for products made according to best practices for GMO avoidance.

Source: Non-GMO Project (2021)

Social Responsibility claims

This company has social Responsibility claims on its website in the areas of minimising enviromental impact, nutrition and community support.

Source: company website (2021)

How2Recycle member

This company is a member of How2Recycle. The How2Recycle Label is a voluntary, standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. It involves a coalition of forward thinking brands who want their packaging to be recycled and are empowering consumers through smart packaging labels. Companies must be a member of the program to use the How2Recycle Label.

Source: How2Recycle (2023)

CDP Climate Change score of C

In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of C.

Source: CDP (2023)

Misleading labeling class action

Gruma is defending a proposed class action (July 2013) over the labeling of its tortilla products. Lawyers for the proposed class contend food packaging with "All Natural" on it are false and misleading because they contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms), namely corn that is grown from genetically-modified seeds. The case was awaiting the FDA's determination as to whether GMOs can be defined as "natural." The FDA refused to do so and the case against Gruma was dismissed in 2014.

Source: news article (2013)

Modern Slavery statement

California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement.

Source: company website (2018)

CDP Water Security score of C

In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of C.

Source: CDP (2023)

Blog: Five Reasons to Hate GRUMA

This blogger, author of 'Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America' gives 5 reasons to hate Gruma: Lying about having invented processed corn flour; putting thousands of tortillerias out of business; subsidies from corrupt Mexican government officials; trying to monopolise the American market; their products are terrible.

Source: blog site (2012)