Qatar will soon introduce labeling system for the Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMO). This will help customers protect their right to choose a
GMO or natural food product from the market.
Qatar's decision is followed by Decree No.11/2007 issued by the Heir
Apparent HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is also the Chairperson of
Supreme Council for Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR), to constitute
a National Committee for Biosafety to uphold the spirit of Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety, to which Qatar is a party. The National Committee,
chaired by Khaled Ghanim Al Ali, Secretary-General of SCENR, will draw up a
national policy regarding the labeling of GMOs.

The nominees of National Health Authority, Qatar General Organisation
for Standards and Metrology, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Agriculture, Customs and Ports General Authority and Central
Municipal Council are among other members of the committee. The panel will
meet at least once in three months. A scientific committee, comprising
members from Qatar University, Qatar Foundation and NHA will assist and
advise the National Committee on Biosafety.

The Biosafety Protocol is an agreement designed to regulate the
international trade, handling and use of any GMO that may have adverse
effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity,
taking also into account risks to human health.

"There has been no long term testing on the effects of the genetically
engineered foods. So no one can claim they are safe. The long term
implications on human health of eating GE food products are also not known
and have not been investigated. However, a lot of arguments are going on
between the experts on the issue. And as a precaution, and under the
pressure from internationally reputed green groups, several nations have
decided to offer an option to the customers to select their choice by
introducing a labeling system", said Ghanem Mohammed Al Abdullah, Director,
Wildlife Conservation, SCENR.

Studies carried out by international agencies have proved that GM food
products are available in Qatari markets. Now, through labeling, customers
can distinguish GMO products with non-GMO products, he added. Qatar is the
second country in the GCC to join Cartagena Protocol. It became the party in
June 2007. Oman became the first country in the region to join the protocol
when they signed the pact in 2003. Saudi Arabia became the member in
November 2007.
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