Biotech Updates

El Salvador Prepares National Biotechnology Policy

August 1, 2008

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report, El Salvador’s Ministry of Environment is currently working on the regulatory framework for the safe use and commercialization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). El Salvador does not produce genetically modified crops. Although there are no restrictions on imports of agricultural biotechnology products in the country, labeling of food products that contain GMOs is required under Article 128 of the Consumer Law.

Through a Global Environment Fund (GEF) project, the government of El Salvador has written a proposal for a regulatory framework that includes national policy for biotechnology, a national policy for biosafety, an administrative and regulatory system for imports of GMOs, a decision making support system, and a mechanism for social participation and consultation. Under the proposed framework, the Ministry of Environment (MARN) would be the institution in charge of enforcing the safe handling of GMOs in coordination with the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Health on appropriate biosafety applications.

Download the USDA FAS GAIN Report at http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200806/146294882.pdf