In a step that strengthens Qatar’s consistent focus on food safety, the country’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has started implementing the requirements of the international quality system ISO 17020 in the inspection of imported foods.

The Ministry has begun training inspectors employed at different state outlets to apply the new quality standards.

A technical team at the Food Safety Department is conducting the training in line with international standards.

The training encompasses all aspects of inspection such as document checking, visual inspection, as well as sampling.

The ambition behind the training is to secure international accreditation in the domain of inspection of imported food. The accreditation would mean that Qatar is following procedures and methods on par with international standards, enhancing the overall credibility and transparency.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) began implementing the requirements of the international quality system ISO 17020 in the field of inspection of imported foods by training inspectors working in the various state outlets to apply the new quality system.#QNA pic.twitter.com/DyWoBuLh8l

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 19, 2021

The project to obtain international accreditation in the inspection of imported food according to the ISO 17020 system comes within a package of projects that the ministry is working on such as international accreditation in local control, an online system for food control, and a number of other projects focused on boosting the food safety system in Qatar, said Manager, Food Safety Department at MoPH Wasan Abdulla Al Baker.

The official mentioned that the training stage is the final step before MoPH applies for international accreditation in this area.

Last month, Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Muhammad Al Kuwari and His Excellency the Minister of Transportation and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti also opened the Food Safety Lab at Hamad Port.

Affiliated to MOPH Central Food Laboratories, the lab utilizes the most advanced analysis techniques to ensure the accuracy and safety of results, which will, in turn, contribute to maintaining the quality and safety of food in the local market.

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Source: QNA