Muscat: An effective partnership of both public and private entities is crucial for a safe and sustainable food system and the role of the private sector is inevitable for a nation to achieve food safety, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR).
speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the 'Food Safety Week 2026 held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in the presence of several dignitaries, and with wide participation from government and private entities,
Dr Intisar bint Salem al Gharibiyah, Director General of the Food Safety and Quality Center at the Ministry said that public awareness on the food safety at times of extreme importance is of great value.
"A safe and sustainable food system requires an effective partnership between the public and private sectors. The private sector is a strategic partner in enhancing product quality and innovation, while community awareness is the cornerstone, as food safety begins with knowledge and translates into daily behaviours that protect the health of individuals and society," she said, adding that food safety is a fundamental pillar of human health and societal stability.
"It has become a national imperative and a strategic priority, closely linked to public health, sustainable development, and enhanced food security."
The Food Safety Week 2026 held with the tagline, 'Food Safety is Everyone's Responsibility' at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sohar, as part of national efforts aimed at strengthening the food safety system and raising community awareness of its importance until April 11, will also see a diverse programme of activities, most notably the Food Safety Forum, which brings together specialists from various sectors, contributing to strengthening partnerships and exchanging expertise. Additionally, the second edition of the Food Safety Marathon is being held in Sohar, supporting community participation and promoting health awareness.
"Organising Food Safety Week this year under the theme 'Food Safety is Everyone's Responsibility' embodies the principle of partnership and integration among various entities. It underscores that achieving safe food requires concerted efforts and the commitment of all stakeholders within an integrated system that guarantees food safety and quality," she said.
She explained that the Ministry is giving considerable attention to developing the food safety and quality system in the Sultanate of Oman by adopting global best practices, strengthening legislative frameworks, and enhancing the efficiency of monitoring and inspection systems. This fosters confidence in food products and supports national food security.
Role of the Food Safety and Quality Center:
She pointed out that the Food Safety and Quality Center continues its efforts to develop an integrated regulatory system based on risk management. This is achieved through updating legislation, training national personnel, and strengthening the integration of institutional roles, thereby raising compliance levels and improving performance quality. The Sultanate of Oman affirmed its commitment to keeping pace with global trends in adopting preventive and proactive systems, thereby enhancing its preparedness to address various food-related risks.
It explained that the regulatory system integrates the roles of various entities. Accredited laboratories conduct tests according to the highest international standards, while inspection points represent the first line of defense to ensure food safety before it enters the market, through the application of rigorous procedures to food shipments.
The Ministry emphasised that it continues its efforts to confront global challenges, particularly disruptions to food supply chains, by diversifying import sources, supporting local production, and strengthening strategic reserves to ensure the stability of food availability in local markets. It is also working, in coordination with relevant authorities, to improve the efficiency of supply chains and enhance their readiness for various circumstances. This includes monitoring the movement of food in logistics hubs and ensuring compliance with health requirements during storage, transportation, and distribution.
The ceremony also witnessed the launch of the visual identity for 'Food Safety Week', along with the launch of the magazine 'Together for Safe Food,' a step aimed at strengthening awareness messages and instilling food safety concepts among various segments of society.
The The Food Safety System:
Dr Naeema bint Khamis al Kharousi, Director of the Central Food Safety Laboratory, delivered a lecture entitled 'The Food Safety System in Numbers,' during which she reviewed the national efforts exerted in this field. She emphasised that the system in the Sultanate of Oman is one of the fundamental pillars for protecting public health and enhancing food security, due to its integration of effective oversight, precise laboratory testing, regulatory legislation, and community partnership.
She also noted that the indicators reflect a significant improvement in the system's performance, whether in the areas of oversight, qualification, or risk management, which has contributed to raising food safety standards and enhancing consumer protection.
The event included an exhibition held alongside Food Safety Week, with the participation of several relevant entities, showcasing initiatives and awareness programs in this field.
Food Safety Week aims to enhance awareness among consumers and food sector workers regarding best health practices and quality standards, and to instill a culture of compliance with health requirements, thus contributing to protecting public health.
A wide range of events including a campaign titled 'I Am Part of the Responsibility', which will be held in the Muscat Governorate at The Village shopping complex, alongside specialised workshops, awareness-raising competitions, and field visits to food establishments, and
several workshops, awareness competitions, field visits to food establishments, and awareness programs targeting schools and universities, thereby strengthening the integration of national efforts in the field of food safety will be held as part of the Food Safety Week.
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