Tuesday 30 December 2025 – 11:45 PM
Conflicting letters issued by both the National Food Safety Authority and the Ministry of Health and Population have caused a state of confusion and dispersion among food inspectors at the Ministry of Health regarding the authority responsible for undertaking inspection and control work during the current period.
Health alert to stop exercising any regulatory powers related to food
According to an official letter issued by the National Food Safety Authority, dated December 26, the authority notified the Ministry of Health and Population of its full assumption of the powers of oversight of food safety and control in the local market, as of Thursday, January 1, 2026, demanding that the directorates of health affairs in all governorates be directed to stop exercising any supervisory powers related to food safety.
The Authority confirmed that this measure comes in implementation of the provisions of Law No. 1 of 2017 regarding the establishment of the National Food Safety Authority, and based on what was agreed upon in the minutes of the meeting held on October 27, 2024, with an emphasis on taking what is necessary to ensure the smooth transfer of powers and continuity of control without conflict.
Obligating food inspectors to carry out inspection campaigns despite the transfer of jurisdiction
On the other hand, the Ministry of Health and Population, represented by the Preventive Medicine Sector, subsequently issued a letter to the Health Affairs Directorates, which included instructions to implement intensive inspection campaigns on tourist and hotel establishments, public stores, restaurants, and food establishments, coinciding with New Year’s and Christmas celebrations.
The Ministry’s instructions included following up on health requirements, withdrawing food samples for laboratory analysis, ensuring that workers obtain valid health certificates, taking legal measures regarding violations, and immediately reporting suspected cases of food poisoning.
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