Muscat – The resolution, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025, stipulate procedures for the registration and advertising of food items to safeguard public health.

Under the new regulations, foodstuffs must be registered with the Food Safety and Quality Center in the Ministry. This process aims to create a comprehensive database for tracking food products, streamlining import and export procedures, and regulating production and trade practices. All imported or locally produced food items, including those previously registered with amendments to their labels or composition, will require registration.
Exemptions from registration include imported materials for personal use, samples for scientific studies, materials for advertising or marketing purposes (not offered for sale), restaurant-prepared items – subject to ministerial approval and any food item that has been exempted by a joint decision from the concerned authorities.
The regulations detail the registration process, including required information and procedures for submitting test reports for registered items.
Prior to advertising or promoting any food item, the regulations mandate obtaining approval from the Food Safety and Quality Center. Advertisers must submit a request and adhere to specific advertising conditions, including:
• The advertised food item must be registered with the Center.
• The advertisement must not contain references to politics, religion, or content that disrupts public order and morals.
• The advertisement must avoid unacceptable nutritional claims, misleading statements, or claims not approved by the Center.
• Advertisements targeted towards children must not depict unhealthy practices.
• The advertisement must not contain references to alcohol, pork, or its derivatives.
The regulations allow for the use of various media formats for advertising and promotion, including audio, visual, print, and digital platforms.
As per the regulation, a fine of RO 1,000 will be levied for each violation, with repeat offenders facing double the penalty.
Additionally, fees for registration services are set at RO 10 each for registering energy drink products, approving explanatory data cards, and approving food substance test reports.