MoPH has increased its monitoring of local markets to to ensure the safety of imported and locally-made food products

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has stepped up its observation of neighbourhood markets In an effort to better assure the safety of food goods produced both domestically and abroad.

60,520 shipments of imported food were examined by the ministry in the first half of 2024 to ensure its safety and adherence to pertinent technical standards. There were 1,168,695,000 kg of imported food items that fulfilled these requirements overall. A total of 211 cargoes were re-exported while 985,676 kilogrammes of non-compliant food were destroyed.

In the first half of the year, 155 export and re-export certifications were issued by the MoPH Food Safety Department. Furthermore, 48 certifications for re-inspection of food items and 104 certificates for the disposal of food goods were given by the department. There were 625 requests for food items to be destroyed and 102 requests for food goods to be reanalysed during this time. 

Along with processing 3,119 requests for final product approval, the ministry also carried out 147 assessments and follow-ups about the registration of operational data for nearby food outlets. 1,279 food producers were registered in the first half of this year for the services offered by the ministry to them. 766 food handler permits and 1,734 certifications were given out by the ministry to food handlers. 

To guarantee compliance with pertinent laws, rules, and technical requirements, MoPH visited 3,221 local food outlets as part of its efforts to enhance the operations of food enterprises in Qatar. 7,022 samples of imported food were examined at the nation's ports. Furthermore, 10,064 samples from nearby restaurants underwent quality and safety tests. 

21,457 food products were authorised by the "Watheq" computerised food safety system, which made sure they complied with the requirements.