The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has unveiled a comprehensive “Food Establishments Guide for Food Recall Requirements,” aimed at enhancing and standardising procedures for withdrawing unsafe or non-compliant food products from the local market. The initiative is designed to safeguard public health and minimise risks associated with food safety incidents.

The newly launched guide serves as a national reference outlining the responsibilities of food establishments including producers, distributors and retailers in managing food recalls effectively. It establishes clear frameworks for traceability, product recovery, communication and incident management, enabling faster response times and more efficient handling of potential food safety concerns.

As part of its broader strategy to strengthen Qatar’s food safety system, the Ministry emphasised the importance of adopting robust recall and recovery plans. The guide encourages establishments to implement reliable traceability systems and conduct routine evaluations and simulation exercises to ensure preparedness, in line with internationally recognised food safety standards.

The announcement coincided with World Food Safety Day 2026, marked during an event organised by MoPH at the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Centre, Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City. Held under the theme “From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere,” the event brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Wessan Abdullah Al Baker, Director of the Food Safety Department at MoPH, highlighted that the event reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to strengthening prevention efforts, raising awareness and fostering collaboration with relevant partners. These initiatives, she noted, contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food system while ensuring high levels of public health protection.

The event featured a series of awareness and discussion sessions addressing key challenges related to foodborne illnesses and strategies for prevention. Participants also explored the latest practices and experiences in food control and safety.

A practical case study presented by a private sector representative demonstrated the process of recalling a food product, providing insights into preventive and corrective measures and encouraging knowledge sharing across the sector.

In addition, the Food Safety Department recognised outstanding food establishments under the Food Establishments Classification Programme. Honours were also awarded to businesses that showed notable improvement in their compliance ratings, acknowledging their efforts to uphold food quality and safety standards.