Bahrain Tightens Oversight on Food Safety, Says Minister Fakhro

Industry and Commerce Minister Abdullah Fakhro has affirmed that Bahrain enforces strict monitoring on all imported and locally distributed food products. He said the ministry closely follows international notifications and scientific studies related to food additives or ingredients that may have negative effects on health or behaviour.

Fakhro explained that the ministry works continuously with the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health to ensure food products meet approved national, Gulf, and international standards.

His comments came in response to a Shura Council question regarding oversight on ingredients that may affect the health or behaviour of children and adolescents, particularly concerning hyperactivity or attention issues.

The minister stressed that all food products available in local markets comply with approved regulations. He added that any new scientific findings about risks related to food additives are considered when issuing bans or tightening controls.

He noted that Bahrain’s food monitoring system is based on national standards, regular updates aligned with global guidelines, and close coordination with health authorities.

Fakhro highlighted that the National Standardization Body — represented by the Inspection and Metrology Directorate — prepares and approves technical standards for various sectors, including food and agriculture. National technical committees work alongside their Gulf, regional, and international counterparts and submit recommendations to the National Committee for Standards and Metrology before publication in the Official Gazette.

He added that the food sector is one of the most important within this framework. The Local Committee for Food Standards, made up of experts and relevant authorities, develops proposals to adopt international food standards in line with rapid industry developments and related studies.

These standards cover mandatory food safety requirements, handling practices, packaging, storage, transportation, and other technical regulations.

After the standards are approved, regulatory bodies verify that products meet these specifications before entering the local market. Fakhro emphasised that the ministry works closely with the Public Health Directorate to ensure the safety of all food products, confirming that both imported and locally manufactured foods are checked for compliance with approved standards and that food establishments meet health requirements.