Qatar and GCC Freshness Standards

All freshness testing services are performed following Qatari and GCC regulatory standards, ensuring international traceability and acceptance.

Applicable Regulations:

• GSO 989/2015 – Fresh Fish and Frozen Fish


• GSO 323/1994 – Histamine in Fish and Fish Products
  
• GSO 147/2011 – Honey Specifications


• GSO 987/1998 – Milk and Dairy Product Quality Parameters


• GSO 9/2013 – Labelling of Prepackaged Foods

Our testing methods are accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and approved by the Qatar MoPH Food Safety Department for import clearance, labeling, and regulatory verification.

Comprehensive Freshness Analysis Parameters

A. Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVB-N) — Seafood & Meat Freshness

Purpose:

TVB-N measures nitrogenous compounds (ammonia, dimethylamine, trimethylamine) produced during protein degradation — a key indicator of spoilage in seafood and meat.

Applications:

• Fresh & Frozen Fish
• Shellfish & Seafood Products
• Meat & Poultry

Method :

Distillation–Titration / Kjeldahl Method

Regulatory Limit :

≤ 30 mg/100 g (as per GSO 989/2015)

Ensures fish freshness and prevents sale of decomposed or non-compliant seafood.

Histamine Analysis — Seafood Safety

Purpose:

Histamine forms in protein-rich fish due to bacterial activity. Excess levels can cause scombroid poisoning, making monitoring essential for seafood safety and MoPH compliance.

Applications:

• Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines, Anchovies, and similar species

Method :

HPLC / Fluorometric Detection

Regulatory Limit :

≤ 100 mg/kg (GSO 323/1994)

Compliance Reference:

• GSO 323/1994 – Histamine in Fish and Fish Products


• Qatar Food Law No. (8) of 1990

C. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) — Honey Freshness Indicator

Purpose:

HMF forms when honey is overheated, adulterated, or aged. Low HMF levels indicate natural, unprocessed honey with preserved enzymatic and nutritional quality.

Method :

Spectrophotometric (White Method) / HPLC

Regulatory Limit :

≤ 40 mg/kg (GSO 147/2011)

Application:

• Natural Honey
• Processed Honey
• Honey-based Products

Compliance Reference :

GSO 147/2011 – Honey Specifications

D. Diastase Activity — Honey Authenticity

Purpose:

Diastase is a natural enzyme that breaks down starch in honey. Reduced activity indicates overheating, poor storage, or aging.

Method :

Schade Method / Phadebas Assay

Regulatory Limit :

≥ 8 DN (Diastase Number) (GSO 147/2011)

Application:

• Natural Honey
• Honey Blends & Exports

Industries We Serve

Our freshness testing services in Qatar support a wide range of industries:

• Seafood Importers & Processors


• Honey Producers & Exporters


• Meat & Poultry Processors


• Retailers, Hypermarkets & Distributors


• Hotels, Restaurants & Catering Companies

We provide end-to-end analytical support — from quality validation to MoPH documentation — ensuring your products meet both national and GCC standards.

Example Report Parameters

Why Choose METS Laboratories, QATAR

• ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory — Assured technical competency and traceability.


• Recognized by Qatar MoPH — Accepted for import, labeling, and quality verification.


• State-of-the-Art Equipment — HPLC, Spectrophotometry, Kjeldahl Analysis Systems.


• Accurate & Rapid Reporting — Digital results portal with MoPH-compliant documentation.


• Expert Team — Specialists in GSO, Codex Alimentarius, and Qatar Food Safety Law.

Delivering Confidence Through Scientific Integrity

At METS Laboratories, QATAR, we help Qatar’s food producers, importers, and distributors verify product freshness, authenticity, and safety through internationally accredited testing methods.

Our freshness analysis supports MoPH and GSO compliance, ensures consumer protection, and strengthens your brand’s reputation in the competitive food market.