Public Health Minister inaugurates 'Watheq' food safety system

* Food safety mobile application to be launched laterHE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari on Sunday inaugurated the electronic food safety system, 'Watheq'.The electronic system involves a food control process based on standard operating procedures subject to international accreditation controls (ISO 17020), through three electronically linked systems: the system of control of imported and exported food, the system of control of food in the local market, and the electronic management of food analysis laboratories.The electronic system is one of the most important national projects undertaken within the Qatar Public Health Strategy, under the strategic objective to “develop an integrated risk-based inspection service certified to relevant international standards such as ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for imported, locally produced and exported food products that are supported by modern electronic management systems, effective diagnostic services, and monitoring and surveillance systems”, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said in a statement.HE Dr al-Kuwari affirmed that MoPH adopts the most effective and integrated electronic systems, aiming to provide high-quality services to enhance the health and well-being of the community.She explained that the electronic food safety system enhances the efficiency of the Food Safety Department in terms of food control across the entire food chain. It ensures the accuracy and rapidness of food control and food tracking in markets, saves the time taken to get laboratory results and reduces food-related risks. All these factors enable the effective implementation of food safety requirements and Qatari regulations.The electronic system will also contribute to the development of a central database covering accurate information on each food item in Qatar, which will help in decision-making related to food security, the strategic food reserve and scientific research, she added.'Watheqtarget="_blank"'>