A delegation from the Ministry of Public Health recently visited Thailand to exchange expertise and strengthen bilateral relations in food safety.
The visit was part of the ministry's efforts to enhance international co-operation in food safety and exchange knowledge and expertise with partner countries.
The delegation was led by Wasan Abdulla al-Baker, Director of the Food Safety Department, and included Khalid al-Sulaiti, Head of the Ports Health and Food Control Section, and Najat al Abdulmalik, Head of the Food Safety Laboratories Section.
During the visit, the delegation met with several officials and experts. They reviewed the procedures for granting halal certifications for food products exported to Qatar and discussed the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in food safety between the two countries.
The delegation's visit included an inspection of the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, where they were briefed on good agricultural practices and phytosanitary measures. It also visited central laboratories in Thailand and Kasetsart University, where they held a meeting with the university's president and were introduced to the university's projects and research in food safety.
Additionally, the delegation visited the Faculty of Agro-Industry and the Food Research Institute, as well as the Thai Ministry of Public Health, where they held a meeting with Dr Narong Aphikulvanich, Secretary-General of the Thai Food and Drug Administration. During the meeting, they learned about Thai standardisation programmes and discussed best practices and import protocols for food products.
As part of future co-operation, the delegation also visited Chulalongkorn University, where they held a meeting with Dr Wilert Puriwat, the university president, and toured the university's Halal Science Centre. This included an overview of the HAL-Q system research, an inspection of the halal laboratories, and discussions on potential academic collaboration in halal sciences.
The delegation's visit also focused on understanding food safety controls by inspecting the laboratories of the Food and Drug Administration and Suvarnabhumi Airport. Additionally, they toured the air cargo area and the goods inspection facilities within the logistics zone, including the Laem Chabang Port. (QNA)
