Saudi Arabia: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual
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Saudi regulations allow the importation of biotech plant products. However, they are required to be labeled if they contain more than one percent genetically engineered (GE) plant ingredients, as a result importers of retail food product do not import biotech foods due to concerns that biotech labeling could jeopardize their product image. Saudi Arabia imports large quantities of biotech U.S. corn, soybeans, and their products. In 2003, the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) issued a certificate that meets Saudi and Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) requirements. Saudi and GSO regulations prohibit the importation of genetically modified animals, birds, fish and their products. Importation of biotech planting seeds is permitted, but Saudi companies have not done so. Currently, there are no ongoing commercial development activities for GE plants in Saudi Arabia.
