Qatar food checks serve up 97% compliance in H1

Qatar's food safety system has achieved an impressive 97% compliance rate in the first half of 2026, according to laboratory tests conducted on 7,755 samples from local markets and border entry points. The Ministry of Public Health credits this success to the National Food Monitoring and Surveillance Plan, which employs continuous market surveillance, laboratory testing, and risk-based controls to safeguard consumers.

The Food Safety Department inspected various food categories, including fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, poultry, and dairy products. Out of the 1,476 samples tested for fruits and vegetables, 98% met the required safety standards. Fish and seafood also demonstrated exceptional compliance, with 779 samples testing positive. Meat and poultry samples were similarly compliant, with over 93% of the 1,374 samples passing the tests.

Dairy products also showed strong results, with more than 98% of the 1,321 samples meeting the approved technical requirements. Despite these positive findings, the ministry continued to monitor a limited number of cases involving quality indicators and nutritional composition to maintain the standard of products on sale. The surveillance program focused on widely consumed foods and products closely linked to public health, directing resources towards higher-risk categories to identify potential hazards early and prevent them from causing broader issues.

By implementing this risk-based approach, inspectors aimed to maintain stable food-safety indicators and improve compliance during the six-month period. The ministry assured that inspection campaigns, laboratory analysis, and early-warning programs would continue under the national plan to ensure that all food reaching Qatar's consumers remains safe, wholesome, and compliant with regulatory standards.