MoPH, Qatar Chamber sign agreement on food safety

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry have signed a collaboration agreement in the field of food safety.

The agreement was signed by Assistant Minister of Public Health for Health Affairs Dr Saleh Ali al-Marri and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry director-general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi.

Dr al-Marri said that the agreement comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to enhance food safety in Qatar through co-operation with all partners.

He added that the agreement covers numerous areas and frameworks of cooperation between the MoPH and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, most notably co-operation during special events requiring exceptional measures, such as hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, food exhibitions and other events, as well as providing the technical expertise for food sector to develop, modernise and overcome challenges to break into the international market.

Al-Sharqi said that the Qatar Chamber will supervise the training and testing of food handlers and those responsible for handling food stuffs, within the standards agreed upon with the MoPH, and with the aim of achieving the highest level of safety.

He added that the Qatar Chamber and the ministry co-operate in other fields as well, with a joint committee holding meetings periodically to discuss private sector issues.

Under the agreement, the co-operation between the MoPH and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the field of local and imported foods compliance will be through the exchange of information and circulating it to manufacturers and importers.

This includes evaluating the impact of legislation on stakeholders before making decisions, legislation and enforcement, and the exchange of experiences between the parties.

The agreement covers a programme launched by the ministry to ensure that workers in various food facilities have the required knowledge of food safety principles.

The programme is a part of a one-year project by Qatar Chamber. – QNA