Qatar stricter on food packaging

QATAR - THE Qatar General Organisation for Standards and Metrology reminds local food producers, distributors and vendors to use only packaging that meet the organisation’s approved standards. Owners of restaurants, cafeterias and coffee shops are told to stop using polyethylene bags or newspapers for wrapping, as well as serving food in dishware or utensils that do not conform to the guidelines, reported the Qatar News Agency.

This food packaging regulation is nothing new and is in fact part of the organisation’s 2010-2020 strategy to elevate product standards. However, the prohibition on the use of newspapers and such materials is a recent addition.  

Paper and food-grade plastic cups are allowed for hot food/beverage, whilst foam may be used only for cold drinks. These containers must come with a note that says they are suitable for hot or cold food/beverage.

Under the guidelines, packaging companies are required to use only food-grade materials for the production of containers made of plastic, paper or cardboard or manufactured from foam or similar materials, whilst food businesses are expected to cooperate accordingly. Penalties will be imposed on violators, the Ministry of Environment warns.