Muscat – Oman continues to prioritise a robust food security system through a comprehensive strategy that enhances food quality and safety while balancing production and consumption. The approach aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and supports both public health and long-term economic sustainability.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is advancing these goals through an integrated institutional framework. This includes the Centre for Food Safety and Quality, supported by agricultural and veterinary quarantine units, laboratories and quality control centres. Efforts are further strengthened through coordination with relevant authorities and private sector stakeholders to ensure the availability of safe, high-quality food that meets consumer expectations.

Eng. Manaa Saif al Habsi, Director of the Food Safety and Quality Department in North Sharqiyah Governorate, said the department implemented extensive regulatory and awareness programmes in 2025. A total of 439 field visits were conducted across food establishments, including water bottling plants, bakeries, farms, markets and fish outlets. Of these, 69 were specialised inspections and 170 were carried out jointly with other authorities.

Regulatory actions during the year included the issuance of four Gulf rapid alerts and 12 food safety circulars. Inspectors also conducted 152 visits to fish markets and shops, resulting in the seizure of more than half a tonne of kingfish (kanad) sold during the ban period, along with the disposal of spoiled fish across several wilayats.

Awareness and capacity-building remained a key focus. The department organised 19 workshops and training sessions, alongside 34 awareness programmes. Ten permits for food warehouses were approved, while 13 establishments were supported in obtaining ISO Quality Management System certification. In addition, outreach campaigns covered 25 schools, focusing on the safety of school canteens.

In the first quarter of 2026, inspection efforts continued with 32 field visits to food establishments, including evaluations for sampling and compliance with health standards. The department also delivered 47 awareness programmes targeting consumers, students, food sector workers and healthcare professionals.

North Sharqiyah Governorate marked Food Safety Week 2026 from April 5 to 11 under the theme “Food Safety is a Shared Responsibility.” The event featured four seminars and 19 awareness lectures, reaching 2,780 participants. Activities also included two exhibitions attended by 250 people and eight inspection campaigns covering markets and food outlets, engaging 392 workers and visitors in collaboration with government and civil society entities.

Al Habsi stressed that ensuring food safety requires collective responsibility, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation between government, private sector and the community to guarantee safe and healthy food for all.