Doha, December 13 (QNA) – His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, issued Ministerial Decision No. 102 of 2025, adopting the Qatari Technical Regulation on the Shelf Life of Food Products, QS 10050:2025. The new regulation replaces the QS GSO Technical Regulation 150-1:2013/Amd1/Amd2:2023, adopted by Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2024, as well as the QS GSO Standard 150-2:2013/Amd1:2024, adopted by Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2025.
The new regulation aims to guarantee the safety and quality of food products sold in the local market, by adopting shelf life periods based on scientific principles and updated international standards. This measure will contribute to strengthening consumer confidence and reducing food waste, through the application of more flexible shelf life periods, supported by reliable studies, which will strengthen the flexibility of the local market and facilitate the entry of a wider and more diverse range of products.
The relevance of the regulation lies in the fact that it constitutes a national reference that is fully aligned—100 percent—with international standards, and contributes to the protection of national dairy products, in application of the guidelines of the Council of Ministers. Likewise, it addresses the challenges that were previously associated with the application of shelf life requirements to food prepared in restaurants and hotels, derived from the coexistence of contradictory regulations and procedures.
In addition, the new regulation supports the national industry by promoting innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of products both in the local market and in international markets. Likewise, it facilitates import and export operations by reducing unjustified restrictions linked to shelf life requirements, thus contributing to a greater diversity of food products in the local market.
The regulation establishes shelf life periods for a number of sensitive food products, including chilled meat and meat products, fresh fish and seafood, baby food, eggs, fresh and pasteurized juices, as well as ready-to-eat foods. Likewise, determine the appropriate storage temperatures for each of these categories.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that the decision, prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Municipality, through the Qatar General Organization for Standardization and Metrology, represents a qualitative change in the country’s food safety system. The decision contributes to unifying national standards, ensuring that all food producers and suppliers comply with clear mechanisms for marking production and expiry dates on packaging, as well as storage and display requirements, while reducing waste and losses from product disposal.
The Ministry urged all entities operating in the food sector to fully comply with the provisions of the decision, noting that the inspection teams of the competent authorities will initiate supervision campaigns to ensure its implementation and take necessary measures against violators, in accordance with current legislation.
The decision will come into force the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.
