Assessment of the food control systems in the Sultanate of Oman

- The paper reviews the current national control system in Oman.
- The country relies on imports for much of the food supply to meet its demand.
- Recent progress with the creation of a 'Centre for Food Safety and Quality'.
- Oman is working towards a strengthened food control system with links to GCC.
- Further progress is anticipated as the country upgrades its control system.

National food control systems are vital tools in governing the safety and quality of food intended for human consumption. This study of the Omani system was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the current food controls in place for protecting, in particular, the public health from emerging biological and chemical hazards. In response to this situation, a survey was undertaken within the different food safety authorities in Oman to examine the different elements of the national food control systems in terms of their existing food control management, food legislation, food inspection, food analysis laboratories and information, education and communications. Officials from the different authorities were interviewed and results were captured in prepared questionnaires. Overall examinations of the challenges, strength and weakness of the existing system have been highlighted. The findings of the study indicate significant progress is being made and the creation by the government of a national Centre for Food Safety and Quality is a significant positive step.