Saudi Arabia: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual

Saudi regulations allow the importation of biotech plant products, but they are required to be labeled if they contain more than one percent genetically engineered (GE) plant ingredients. As a result, many food retail importers do not import biotech foods due to concerns that biotech labeling could jeopardize their product image. However, Saudi Arabia imports large quantities of biotech U.S. corn, soybeans, and their products. Saudi as well as Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) regulations prohibit the import of genetically modified animals, birds, fish and their products. Meanwhile, biotech planting seeds are permitted for import, but Saudi companies have not done so. Currently, there are no ongoing commercial development activities for GE plants in Saudi Arabia.