There are no established worldwide dietary guidelines suggesting that normal nitrate intake levels of Mexican consumers are problematic. If public health officials are truly concerned about intakes of nitrates, vegetables would be a better regulatory targets than rock salt. Conclusion Section 6.12 and the specifications for sulfates, magnesium, calcium, nitrites and nitrates in Section 6.14 offer no health protection for Mexican consumers. In fact, these sections only force consumers to pay more for their salt by limiting competition in the marketplace. They are a thinly-veiled effort to shield solar salt producers from competition from rock salt producers.
Consumers have no interest in whether the salt is derived from the sea or the land.
Consumers have a need to be assured that the salt they buy and feed to their families, livestock and poultry is healthy and safe and available to them at a competitive price. Sections 6.12 and the specifications for sulfates, magnesium, calcium, nitrites and nitrates in Section 6.14 are competitive issues, not health issues. These sections represent a clash of commercial interests, not health concerns, and raise questions about Mexico's dedication and commitment to the North American Free Trade Agreement. Thank you for considering these comments and I hope for your favorable decision.