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Qatar’s food safety system recorded a 97% compliance rate in the first half (H!) of 2026 after laboratory teams tested 7,755 samples drawn from local markets and border entry points. The Ministry of Public Health said the results highlighted the effectiveness of its National Food Monitoring and Surveillance Plan, which combines continuous market surveillance, laboratory testing and risk-based controls to protect consumers. The Food Safety Department examined products across a wide range of food categories between January and June. Only 3% of all samples failed to meet approved requirements and technical regulations, while the overwhelming majority passed the prescribed safety checks. Fresh fruit and vegetables returned one of the strongest results. Of the 1,476 samples tested from local and imported produce, 98% met the required standards. The examinations included checks for pesticide residues and microbial contamination. Fish and seafood also achieved a compliance rate of more than 98%, with 779 samples undergoing tests for chemical contaminants and indicators linked to proper handling, storage, safety and quality. Laboratory teams tested a further 1,374 meat and poultry samples, more than 93% of which were found to be compliant. Dairy products recorded similarly strong results. More than 98% of the 1,321 samples examined conformed to approved technical requirements. The ministry said it continued to follow up on a limited number of cases involving quality indicators and nutritional composition to safeguard the standard of products on sale. The surveillance programme prioritised widely consumed foods and products considered most closely linked to public health. By directing resources towards higher-risk categories, inspectors sought to identify potential hazards early and introduce preventive measures before they could pose a wider threat. The ministry said this risk-based approach helped maintain stable food-safety indicators and improve compliance during the six-month period. Inspection campaigns, laboratory analysis and early-warning programmes will continue under the national plan to ensure that food reaching consumers across Qatar remains safe, wholesome and compliant with regulatory standards.

The Ministry of Public Health has launched the Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years), as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the health and quality of life of mothers and children.The guidelines aim to support the health of mothers and their children through scientifically based recommendations covering the stages before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout the early years of a child's life.The guidelines were developed with the participation of a group of experts and specialists in nutrition and health.The guidelines consist of seven chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including diet, lifestyle, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and other important subjects. Each chapter is designed to empower individuals to adopt healthy habits and make informed decisions.These guidelines serve as an educational and informative tool that helps raise public health awareness across the community, thereby contributing to improving maternal and child health and ensuring healthy child development. They also act as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and a reference point for the development of future health policies and programmes.Director of the Health Promotion Department at the MoPH Dr Salah Alyafei said: "Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years) play a vital role in fostering a healthy society by establishing strong health foundations for individuals from an early age."He added that the MoPH developed the guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and internationally recommended best practices, while considering the cultural and social context of Qatari society.He noted that proper nutrition during pregnancy and throughout the first five years of a child's life is among the most important factors directly influencing a child's health. It also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases in the future and ensuring better health for both current and future generations. (QNA)