Protecting Consumers in Qatar’s Diverse Food Market

Food allergies represent a serious and growing public health concern—especially in a multicultural, import-driven nation like Qatar. Even trace amounts of undeclared allergens can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, making accurate food allergen testing a critical requirement for manufacturers, importers, and retailers.

Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory in Doha offers comprehensive food allergen analysis, ensuring your products comply with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) standards and GSO food safety regulations.

Why Food Allergen Testing Matters

Food allergens are among the most strictly regulated food hazards, due to their potential to cause life-threatening reactions. In Qatar’s food supply chain, where a high percentage of products are imported, reliable testing and labelling are essential.

Key Reasons for Testing:

• Consumer Safety:
  Even trace allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat/gluten, fish, shellfish, and sesame can trigger severe allergic responses.


• Regulatory Compliance:
  Undeclared allergens or cross-contamination can result in product recalls, MoPH violations, and customs rejections.


• Brand Protection:
  Accurate allergen testing prevents reputational damage and builds consumer trust through verified safety labeling.


• Public Health Oversight:
  MoPH mandates allergen monitoring from raw material sourcing to final packaging, ensuring traceability across the food chain.

In Qatar’s diverse food market, allergen testing supports both consumer health and market credibility.

Regulatory & Accreditation Framework in Qatar

Food allergen testing and food safety regulation in Qatar are governed by a robust national and international framework ensuring analytical integrity and transparency.

Key Developments and Standards:

• Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Food Safety Department oversees food import inspection and domestic product compliance.


• MoPH laboratories are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited, following internationally approved analytical methods.


• In August 2022, MoPH achieved ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) recognition under ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection of imported and local foods.


• In March 2021, a dedicated Food Safety Laboratory at Hamad Port (Doha) was established to accelerate testing and clearance of food imports.


• From 2024–2028, MoPH’s Food Safety Laboratories have been designated as a Collaborating Centre by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—a testament to Qatar’s leadership in laboratory excellence.

These advancements ensure that food allergen testing in Qatar meets global quality benchmarks and is internationally recognized.

How the Food Allergen Testing Process Works

Allergen testing follows a systematic, traceable process that ensures scientific accuracy, sample integrity, and regulatory compliance.

• 1. Sample Collection & Submission
  • Businesses collect representative samples of food or raw materials.
  • Each sample must include batch details, product description, storage conditions, and date of collection.
  • Laboratories provide specific packaging and handling guidance to preserve sample integrity during transport.

• 2. Method Selection
  • The appropriate analytical method is chosen based on the target allergen and food matrix.
  • The most common method is ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), used for precise detection of allergenic proteins at trace levels (ppm or µg/kg).
  • Other methods include rapid lateral flow tests, chromatography, and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for advanced detection in complex food matrices.

• 3. Testing & Analysis
  • The food sample is processed, extracted, and analyzed using validated methods.
  • Results are expressed as presence/absence or quantitative allergen concentration.
  • Laboratories ensure quality through controls, blanks, replicates, and calibration with reference standards.
  • All testing is conducted under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, ensuring traceable, defensible results.

• 4. Reporting & Compliance Documentation
  • The laboratory issues a detailed test report that includes:
  • Tested allergen(s)
  • Analytical method(s) used
  • Results (qualitative/quantitative)
  • Detection limits and any relevant caveats
  • Food businesses use this data for label verification, risk assessment, and MoPH submission during product approval or import clearance.

Common Allergens Tested

Industries We Serve

Our food allergen testing in Qatar supports compliance and safety assurance across:

• Food & Beverage Manufacturers
• Importers and Exporters
• Retail Chains & Supermarkets
• Catering & Hospitality Industry
• Infant Food and Nutraceutical Producers
• Regulatory and Inspection Agencies

Why Choose METS Laboratories

• ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory recognized by Qatar MoPH


• Expertise in ELISA, LC-MS/MS, and PCR allergen testing


• Rapid Turnaround Times and digital reporting portal


• Compliance with GSO, Codex Alimentarius, and MoPH standards


• Technical Consultation for labeling, HACCP plans, and import documentation

Ensuring Safer Food for Every Consumer

At METS Laboratories, QATAR, we help manufacturers, importers, and retailers in Qatar protect consumers through scientifically validated allergen testing. Our services ensure compliance with MoPH, GSO, and Codex standards, preventing cross-contamination risks and safeguarding consumer trust across Qatar’s dynamic food landscape.