Doha, September 09 (QNA) - The Ministry of Public Health announced the results of implementing the National Food Monitoring and Surveillance Plan for the first half of 2026, which aims to enhance food safety and protect consumers' health in the State of Qatar through ongoing surveillance and laboratory analysis programmes for food products available in local markets and those imported through border entry points.
The results of the Plan, which was implemented by the Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health, showed a high level of compliance with food safety requirements.
A total of 7,755 food samples were laboratory tested from January to June 2026, covering the various food commodities available in the State. The results showed that 97 percent of the samples complied with the approved requirements and technical regulations, while non-compliant samples accounted for only 3 percent. This reflects the effectiveness of the food control system and the efficiency of the measures applied to ensure food safety in the State of Qatar.
The National Plan also gave particular attention to the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, given that fresh fruit and vegetables are among the most widely consumed products, with 1476 samples of various local and imported varieties tested. The results showed a compliance rate of 98 percent, reflecting the effectiveness of monitoring pesticide residues and microbial contaminants and the safety of agricultural products available in local markets.
In the fish and seafood sector, 779 samples of various seafood products were tested as part of control programmes aimed at verifying the safety of highly sensitive products by monitoring safety and quality indicators, including chemical contaminants and indicators relating to proper handling and storage. The results showed a compliance rate exceeding 98 percent, thereby enhancing the safety of seafood products available to consumers. A total of 1,374 samples of meat and poultry were tested, with a conformity rate exceeding 93 percent.
Surveillance activities also covered 1,321 samples of dairy products. The results showed high levels of compliance with the approved technical requirements, with the sample compliance rate exceeding 98 percent. Meanwhile, the Ministry continued to follow up on a limited number of non-compliance cases related to quality indicators and nutritional composition to ensure that the quality of products available in markets is maintained.
The results also confirmed the success of the risk-based control approach. Monitoring efforts were directed towards the most widely consumed products and those most closely associated with public health, with a focus on the early detection of risks and the implementation of the necessary preventive measures. This contributed to maintaining stable food safety indicators and raising compliance levels during the first half of 2026.
The Ministry of Public Health confirmed that it would continue to implement the National Food Surveillance Plan, while strengthening inspection, laboratory analysis and early-warning programmes to ensure the provision of safe and wholesome food to consumers in the State of Qatar. (QNA)