Food establishments can now file objections to local inspection results

Published: 22 April 2025

Objection requests should be processed through the ‘Watheq’ system

Qatar News Agency
Doha

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced the launch of a new e-service via the “Watheq” elec-tronic food safety system, which allows food establishments to file objections to local inspection re-sults, enforcement decisions resulting from inspections, or laboratory findings, bringing the total num-ber of services provided by the system to 20.

This service aims to enhance transparency and strengthen cooperation between regulatory authorities (MoPH’s Food Safety Department) and relevant food establishments such as warehouses, restau-rants, factories, etc.

Through this new service, food establishments can submit objections to local inspection results or en-forcement decisions based on clear justifications and scientific grounds. They can attach supporting evidence or documents such as images or PDF files.

The MoPH clarified that food establishments can submit objections within 15 working days of being notified of the inspection result or enforcement decision. Objection requests should be processed through the “Watheq” system, which allows establishments to track the status of their objection re-quests using a unique reference number.

The objection request will then be reviewed by specialized teams from the Food Safety Department, the establishment will receive feedback, and the decision will be made via email.

Based on the case, the team will approve or reject the objection. In case of rejection, the reasons will be clarified, and the applicant may resubmit the request for further review. The establishment will also be notified via SMS to check the inbox for updates.