Health Ministry sets maximum limits for radioactive isotopes in food, drinking water, and animal feed

Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadi issued Ministerial Decision No. 333 of 2026, approving a regulation that sets maximum limits for the concentration of radioactive isotopes in food, drinking water, and animal feed, thereby strengthening oversight of these products and safeguarding consumer health.

The regulation prohibits the trade of food items in which radioactive isotope concentrations exceed specified limits, depending on the type of isotope and the food category, with measurements expressed in becquerels per kilogram. It also outlines the method for calculating radioactive activity when multiple isotopes from the same group are present, and exempts dried or concentrated foods from these limits, subjecting them instead to an exceptional intervention level of 0.3 millisieverts per year.

The decision further sets the maximum total radioactive activity for non-natural isotopes in animal feed at 300 becquerels per kilogram.

The decision stipulates that if the prescribed limits in food products are exceeded, the Radiation Protection Department shall notify the relevant authorities to take necessary measures. These measures include inspecting locally produced or domestically traded foods and taking appropriate action regarding their circulation. For imported foods, coordination will be carried out with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition or the General Customs Administration to implement suitable measures in accordance with established procedures.

The decision takes effect from the date of its issuance, repeals Ministerial Decision No. 194 of 2011, and shall be published in the Official Gazette.