Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has launched a public awareness campaign to educate residents on how to choose fresh fish, ensure its safety, and handle it properly from purchase to home storage, stressing that the right choices protect public health.
In a series of posts shared on its official X account, the ministry provided clear, practical advice under the hashtag #FoodSafety. The guidance covers visual and sensory checks for freshness, best practices for sellers and transporters, and tips for consumers to prevent spoilage.
According to the ministry, consumers should look for bright, shiny eyes; bright red or pink gills; firm, resilient flesh that springs back quickly when pressed; and a mild, natural smell. Signs of poor quality include dull or cloudy eyes, pale or yellowish gills, soft or loose flesh that retains finger marks, and a strong, unpleasant odour.
The ministry also outlined responsibilities for those involved in the fish supply chain. Workers handling, transporting and selling fish are advised to store products in refrigerators, maintain sufficient ice at all times, deliver fish as quickly as possible, use refrigerated vehicles, and keep fish in tightly sealed, insulated containers.
For fish sellers, the recommendations include sorting fish to confirm it is fit for sale, cleaning it thoroughly before display, continuously replenishing ice on display tables, checking regularly for any unpleasant odours, and immediately disposing of any spoiled fish.
Consumers are urged to buy fish at the end of their shopping trip, place it in a small insulated cooler or ice box, cover it with ice, and transport it home as quickly as possible. The ministry emphasised that proper chilling and rapid transport are essential to maintain quality and safety.
The campaign features illustrated guides in both Arabic and English, accompanied by a QR code that directs users to further information on fish spoilage. Contact details for the ministry’s hotline (184) and social media channels are included for public inquiries.
Officials noted that these measures form part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to uphold food safety standards across Qatar. By empowering residents, sellers and handlers with practical knowledge, the initiative aims to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and promote confidence in the local seafood market.
The ministry called on all stakeholders to follow the guidelines carefully, reminding the public that “making the right choice keeps you safe.” Residents are encouraged to apply the advice during every purchase and to report any concerns through official channels.
This educational drive reflects the Ministry of Municipality’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring high standards in the handling of perishable food products throughout the supply chain.
