The Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health in Doha has been working diligently to ensure the safety and quality of consumables available to the public. Their efforts have included various activities such as inspecting imported food shipments to ensure they meet safety standards, conducting inspections of food handling premises and food traders, and analyzing food samples in their laboratories. The Department has also responded to consumer complaints received through a unified call centre and registered food establishments through an electronic food safety system called Watheq.
One of the main tasks of the Food Safety Department is to regulate human food control in the country. This includes inspecting imported food shipments at various ports to ensure they meet safety standards and comply with regulations. The Department has inspected over 60,000 imported food shipments, with over 1 billion kilograms of food items meeting the required standards. Additionally, they have issued certificates for exports, re-exports, and food destruction for non-compliant items.
In addition to inspecting imported food shipments, the Food Safety Department also conducts inspections of food handling premises and food traders to ensure the safety and validity of food products. They enforce regulations that prohibit the handling of food items that do not meet specified requirements, in collaboration with relevant authorities. The Department has conducted over 3,000 inspections in restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and food factories to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
The Food Safety Department’s Laboratories Section plays a crucial role in analyzing food samples to ensure their safety. They have analyzed over 17,000 samples in the first half of 2024, including samples from imported food items and local establishments. The Department has enhanced the capabilities of their food safety management system to meet the best international standards for lab services. This ensures that food items in the country meet safety and quality standards.
In response to public complaints received through a unified call centre, the Food Safety Department has taken action to address concerns related to food safety. They have approved thousands of food items and registered hundreds of food establishments through the electronic food safety system called Watheq. Through Watheq, the Department manages re-inspections of food items, requests for destruction, re-analysis, and final release of food items. The system is designed to ensure an effective food safety system in the country by electronically linking different aspects of the food industry.
Overall, the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health in Doha has been proactive in ensuring the safety and quality of food items available to the public. Through their rigorous inspections, analysis of food samples, and implementation of food safety regulations, they aim to protect the health and well-being of consumers. The use of technology, such as the electronic food safety system Watheq, helps streamline their processes and improve the efficiency of their operations. By continuing to prioritize food safety, the Department plays a vital role in upholding public health standards in the country.
