Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has announced the adoption of a new national standard for food shelf life, officially designated as Qatari Technical Regulation No. QS 10050:2025. This decision, formalized through Ministerial Decision No. (102) of 2025, aims to modernize and enhance food safety protocols within Qatar, aligning them with international best practices and bolstering consumer confidence. The regulation will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.
The new regulation replaces existing standards – Technical Regulation QS GSO 150-1:2013/Amd1/Amd2:2023 and Standard QS GSO 150-2:2013/Amd1:2024 – previously enacted under earlier ministerial decisions. This consolidation is intended to streamline compliance and reduce ambiguity for food producers and importers operating in the Qatari market.
Enhanced Food Safety Through Standardized Shelf Life Regulations
According to the MOCI, the primary goal of the new food shelf life regulation is to ensure the safety and quality of food products available to consumers. The updated standards are based on scientific principles and current international guidelines, moving away from potentially restrictive or outdated practices. This shift is expected to reduce food waste by allowing for more accurate and flexible expiration dating based on product stability.
The regulation specifically addresses sensitive food categories, including chilled meat and meat products, fresh fish and seafood, infant foods, eggs, fresh and pasteurized juices, and ready-to-eat meals. It also details the appropriate storage temperatures required for each of these product types, ensuring a consistent cold chain from production to consumption.
Addressing Previous Challenges
The MOCI noted that the new regulation resolves inconsistencies that previously existed regarding shelf-life requirements for food prepared in restaurants and hotels. These inconsistencies stemmed from overlapping regulations and varying interpretations, creating challenges for businesses. The unified standard aims to provide clarity and simplify compliance for all food service establishments.
Additionally, the regulation is designed to protect Qatar’s national dairy industry, aligning with directives from the Council of Ministers. This support for local producers is intended to foster growth and competitiveness within the domestic market. The move also aims to facilitate smoother import and export operations by minimizing unnecessary barriers related to expiration dates.
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
The implementation of the new food shelf life standards is expected to have a positive impact on both businesses and consumers. By reducing unjustified restrictions, the regulation will allow for a greater variety of food products to be offered in the Qatari market. This increased diversity could lead to more competitive pricing and greater consumer choice.
For businesses, the regulation encourages innovation in food preservation and packaging technologies. The MOCI believes this will enhance the competitiveness of Qatari products in both local and international markets. However, companies will need to adapt their labeling and storage practices to meet the new requirements.
The development of this regulation was a collaborative effort between the MOCI, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Ministry of Municipality, coordinated through the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology. This inter-agency cooperation underscores the government’s commitment to a comprehensive and unified approach to food quality and safety. The Ministry of Public Health has been increasingly focused on public health initiatives in recent years.
The MOCI has stated that inspection teams will soon begin monitoring compliance with the new regulation. Violators will be subject to penalties in accordance with existing legislation. This enforcement phase is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the new standards and maintaining consumer trust in the safety of the food supply. Relatedly, the regulation also impacts trade regulations within Qatar.
Looking ahead, the success of the new regulation will depend on effective implementation and ongoing monitoring. It remains to be seen how quickly businesses will adapt to the new standards and whether the anticipated reduction in food waste will materialize. Further clarification from the MOCI regarding specific testing methodologies and compliance procedures is expected in the coming weeks.
