Non GMO in Riyadh

Mudrinjo wrote:

Well I noticed that all food in Riyadh is genetically modified. Im wondering is there ANYWHERE in Riyadh where you can buy natural food?

Sure.  There's an organic veggie/fruit section at both Danube and Euromarche.  Probably Tamini, too.

MisterStretch wrote:

And how did you determine that everything in Saudi is GM?

Just a guess?  I shop Tamimis and have seen no signs saying that the produce is GM, or the chicken is GM.

Please, enlighten us.

Im here very short time and Im not maybe qualified to say, but I ve been to Hyper Panda and some Saudi, Syrian and Turkish fast food and Im positive that is GMO. I think most of the chicken is GMO too.

other thing that is worth mentioning is price of food and people (non) awarness with that problem. Same as the recycling problem.

My answer to you is why do you think that food is not GMO? In this country they dont even know what is GMO and thats why here is perfect to sell all crap.

Again, I am only thinking and wooriing about it and would like constructive discussion because its big matter for me. Ty!

EDIT

And yes I exaggirated saying that ALL food is GMO. I mented most food is GMO. Sorry!

Alliecat wrote:

Mudrinjo wrote:

Well I noticed that all food in Riyadh is genetically modified. Im wondering is there ANYWHERE in Riyadh where you can buy natural food?

Sure.  There's an organic veggie/fruit section at both Danube and Euromarche.  Probably Tamini, too.

Ty!

Where are this bold places?

My answer to you is why do you think that food is not GMO? In this country they dont even know what is GMO and thats why here is perfect to sell all crap.

My answer would be that most of the food that you see in the supermarkets is not produced in Saudi Arabia, so one would have to go to the sources to determine whether they are genetically modified.

As GM foods are not as common as you seem to believe, I have a hard time believing that even a significant portion of the food I consume here is genetically modified.

Considering the non-uniformity, thinly skinned and quickly spoiled produce that I encounter in my shopping forays I would have to say that a majority of the food I encounter is non-gm food.  For if it was, it would be of a higher quality, have a longer shelf-life and be more uniform.

I don't buy much processed food, almost everything I purchase is fresh (with the exception of the chicken breasts from Brasil that I grill, and are frozen).

My concern is more for excessive use of pesticides that might taint the food, as opposed to whether or not Pakistani mangoes are GM (they are so poor in quality, that they surely can't be).

MisterStretch wrote:

My answer would be that most of the food that you see in the supermarkets is not produced in Saudi Arabia, so one would have to go to the sources to determine whether they are genetically modified.

As GM foods are not as common as you seem to believe, I have a hard time believing that even a significant portion of the food I consume here is genetically modified.

Considering the non-uniformity, thinly skinned and quickly spoiled produce that I encounter in my shopping forays I would have to say that a majority of the food I encounter is non-gm food.  For if it was, it would be of a higher quality, have a longer shelf-life and be more uniform.

I don't buy much processed food, almost everything I purchase is fresh (with the exception of the chicken breasts from Brasil that I grill, and are frozen).

Problem here in saudi arabia that nobody think about these things. Sure that everybody will shop where is cheaper, no matter what quality of food is. There is no label on any product (for what I know) are they organic or GMO. I looked on juices boxes and bottles - majority is only about 30% fruit. There are 100% too but more expensive and nobody buys them. Conclusion - nobody thinks about it.

I drink juices from restaurants where they melt fruits in front of me - but I think that fruit is unnatural too (pesticides, GMO...) because they are very cheap and every fruit look alike other one. (where are the worms)

I think you would be suprised how nuch GMO is distributed. In USA they practically label ORGANIC food - not GM food. Im not saying that is the big evil - but I want to have a choice.

bhills2153 wrote:

What I can tell you based on experience, my father exports australian beef to GCC occassionally, and my in laws are farmers in Syria, is that it is unlikely that Australian beef and sheep meat is GM and it is generally free from steriods.

Conclusion, buy Australian meat, certified organic chicken from anywhere. 

Conclusion: do your research on the origin of the product!

Where australian meat can be bought in Riyadh?

How can U get information to do research here when majority of people dont even know what GMO or pesticides are.

mohaa wrote:

hi all

There is alwatania agricultural shops ( all over Riyadh) , it is only sell organic foods(Eggs, vegetables, fruit, jam, sauces, food, olive oil, olives, cheese) , also in the supermarkets( Al Tamimi , al Danob) you will find a label on each product which indicate if it GM or not.

For the chicken try (RADWA) chicken it is the best ( and expensive ) you will feel the difference. also tray to buy the natural eggs (local farm eggs)

Believe me man , I’m Saudi and the GM food is on of our concern and I'm seeking for  a good and healthy food all the time ( not only me but most of the Saudi people) since we don’t have any GM regulations.

my advice : avoid unseasonal fruits , buy a local fresh meat.

Thanks man! Glad to read this from Saudi people. This is very important issue for me.

if U could answer me this, it would be of great help for me.

Where can I buy natural milk?

Milk from cows who eaten grass and didnt get any antibiotics or steroids. Also milk that isnt homogenizated or pasteurized.

P.S. Where can I buy local farm natural eggs?

Al-Max wrote:

Talking about milk, I was expecting to find lots of female camel milk in the supermarket :-)  I would be 100 % sure that milk is not GMO and is steroids-free. Yet haven't found a single pack. anyone knows where to find?
My advice to avoid possible GMO: check if possible for the origin of the fruit/vegetable, and avoid those from United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, China, Paraguay, South Africa, Uruguay and Australia.
If coming from Europe, chances are that they aren't GMOs.

Max

AL Max I agree with u man , I know somebody who sell a fresh camel milk in camels pens (in the heart of the desert) which is 100%100 organic.