‏Cabinet Decision on Food Packing to Be Implemented in 10 Days

‏Doha, July 27 (QNA) - The Permanent Joint Committee on Control of Human Food has decided to activate the Executive Regulations related to the Cabinet Decision No 1 of 2009 on food packing and specifications for plastics used.
‏ The announcement of the implementation of this decision will be issued during the next ten days while the owners of restaurants, bakeries and shops will have 90 calendar days to implement its terms.
‏ The decision comes within the framework of the State's keenness to protect citizens ad residents against health impact of plastic bags used in food packaging, Director Of Public Health Department at the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), HE Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Bin Hamad Al Thani said in a press conference held here today.
‏ Qatar is a leading country in the region in terms of implementing food hygiene and safety health regulations, said Dr. Al Thani.
‏ Arabic bread and other hot baked food items will be wrapped in papers instead of the plastic covers used currently, said Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari, Assistant Under Secretary for laboratory and standardization of the Ministry of Environment.
‏ He stressed on implementing 2009 Cabinet decision that bans the use of plastic bags, newspaper or any other printed material for packing food items, raw or cooked. The decision also bans the use of plastic bags for packing pastry products that were not frozen. Use of plastic or cork cups, plates and other utensils in all eateries has also been banned.
‏ Non-chilled pastries must be first covered in paper and then packed in plastic if needed. Also hard paper boxes and plates or insulating roll paper can be used.
‏ Studies have proved that recycled plastic contains toxic chemicals and is a health hazard. Takeaway food wrapped in a recycled plastic film can be toxic as hot food causes chemical components of the plastic to leach into the food and enter human body causing diseases including cancer, birth defects, hormone changes, respiratory problems, gastric ulcers, and eye and liver problems. (QNA)