MUSCAT : The ministry advised people not to ignore signs that food may be unsafe. Consumers who suspect a food product is contaminated or spoiled should stop eating it immediately, avoid giving it to others, and keep any remaining food for possible assessment or reporting.

Anyone who develops symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain after consuming suspected unsafe food should seek medical attention at the nearest health facility, the ministry said.

The ministry also encouraged consumers to report unsafe products or food-safety violations to the relevant authorities. Such reports can support rapid verification of products, the withdrawal of unsafe items, consumer protection and broader efforts to strengthen food safety in the community.

The Ministry of Health advised consumers to take basic precautions when storing and handling food:

Keep perishable foods refrigerated or frozen.
Avoid leaving food outside the refrigerator for extended periods.
Store food in clean, airtight containers.
Give preference to properly prepared, ready-to-eat foods where appropriate and ensure raw foods are handled safely.
Discard food showing signs of spoilage.

The ministry also urged consumers to check product information before making a purchase, including the expiry date, product source, storage instructions, ingredients and usage guidelines.

“Choose your food consciously,” the ministry’s message emphasised, highlighting consumer awareness as an important part of preventing foodborne illness.

The ministry stressed that reporting suspected unsafe products is not only a means of protecting the individual consumer but can also help prevent potentially harmful products from reaching others.

One minute of checking, reporting or stopping consumption could help protect health.

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