Several measures taken by MoPH during first half of 2024 ensures safety and quality of consumables available to the public

In order to guarantee the security and calibre of consumables made available to the general public, the Ministry of Public Health's (MoPH) Food Safety Department has implemented many initiatives in the first half of 2024. 

Data on imported food, the number of inspections carried out, customer complaints received through the hotline, and the registration activities pertaining to food items and establishments are just a few of the activities related to food safety in the nation that were illuminated by statistics released by MoPH yesterday. 

The Food Safety Department efficiently carries out the Ministry of Public Health's mandate to regulate human food control and executes food safety-related health policies.

60,520 imported food shipments have been inspected by the Port Health and Food Control Section at the Food Safety Department at Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, Al Ruwais Port, and at the Abu Samra land border to make sure they adhere to safety standards, pertinent laws, and technical specifications. Of these, 1,168,695,057 kg of imported food items have met the requirements. Food products that did not comply were destroyed, totaling 985,676 kg. 

The Port Health and Food Control Section has also, in the first half of 2024, granted 155 exports and/or re-export certifications, inspected 211 re-exported food cargo, and issued 104 certificates for food destruction.

In order to ensure that food manufacturers, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments are adhering to the necessary laws, rules, and technical specifications, the Food Safety Department has carried out 3,221 inspections. 

1,279 food handlers have been registered, 1,734 food handler licences have been given, and 766 food handler permits have been printed by the Department, which has also examined and followed up on 147 local food facility registration and operating data.

The Laboratory Section of the Food Safety Department examined almost 17,000 samples in the first half of 2024, including samples from nearby businesses as well as imported foods.