Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported a 97% compliance rate with food safety standards among products tested during the first half of 2026 as part of its National Food Monitoring and Surveillance Plan. The initiative, carried out by the MoPH Food Safety Department, involves continuous inspection, surveillance, and laboratory testing of food items available in the local market, including both domestic and imported products, to protect consumer health.
Between January and June, a total of 7,755 food samples were analyzed, with the vast majority meeting approved food safety requirements and technical regulations. Only 3% of the samples were found to be non-compliant, underscoring the effectiveness of the country’s food safety control system.
The plan paid particular attention to fresh fruits and vegetables, which are widely consumed in Qatar. Of the 1,476 samples tested for pesticide residues and microbial contaminants, 98% complied with safety standards. Similarly, seafood products also showed high compliance, with over 98% of 779 samples meeting quality and safety benchmarks, including monitoring for chemical contaminants and ensuring proper handling and storage.
In the meat and poultry sector, 1,374 samples were examined, with a compliance rate exceeding 93%, while 1,321 dairy product samples recorded a conformity rate above 98%. These results demonstrate comprehensive surveillance across various food categories considered sensitive or prone to safety risks.
The Ministry emphasized that non-compliance cases were limited and primarily related to quality indicators and nutritional composition. Authorities continue to follow up on these instances to maintain consistent product quality in the market.
The success of the surveillance plan is attributed to a risk-based control approach that prioritizes monitoring the most widely consumed products and those with greater public health significance. Early detection of potential hazards and prompt implementation of preventive measures helped sustain stable food safety indicators during the period.
MoPH confirmed its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the National Food Monitoring and Surveillance Plan, with plans to bolster inspection efforts, laboratory analyses, and early-warning systems to ensure ongoing provision of safe and wholesome foods to consumers in Qatar.