High-tech Food Safety Lab inaugurated at Hamad Port

Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Muhammad Al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, and His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Saif Al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transportation and Communications, inaugurated today the Food Safety Lab, affiliated to MOPH Central Food Laboratories, 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.

The lab has secured international accreditation (ISO 17025) for the results, prior to its official opening. There are ten test centers and a store of chemicals at the lab. It aims to accelerate analysis and control of food, facilitate the early release of food shipments, and reduce the storage burden on ports.

Al-Kuwari affirmed the ministry's keenness to enhance the capabilities of food safety management system in harmony with the best international standards that require development of lab services, noting that the lab uses the latest internationally approved analysis techniques to ensure the accuracy and safety of results in a way that contributes to ensuring quality and safety of food in local market.

For his part, the Minister of Transportation and Communications said the inauguration of the food safety laboratory is a new addition to the Hamad Ports accomplishments, adding that it will complement efforts to accelerate the process for food import companies in Qatar and protect the interests of traders and importers, in addition, to enhancing the requirements of shipping operators.