FSQC issues Ramadan guidelines on safe seafood purchases

2026-03-03 - 17:07

Muscat – As seafood demand rises during Ramadan, Oman’s food safety authority has urged consumers to prioritise safe purchasing practices to protect public health. The Food Safety and Quality Centre (FSQC) has issued guidelines stressing the importance of buying fish and other perishable items from trusted and licensed outlets that adhere to approved hygiene and storage standards. According to the centre, seafood should be properly chilled and displayed in clean environments to preserve freshness and prevent contamination. Fish must be kept on sufficient ice and maintained at appropriate temperatures. Consumers are also encouraged to ensure that display areas are clean and that products are not exposed to unsuitable conditions. The FSQC highlighted key indicators of freshness, including clear, bright eyes, firm flesh and a natural, mild smell. Shoppers are advised to avoid fish placed on unclean surfaces or inadequately refrigerated. With family gatherings and communal iftars increasing throughout Ramadan, the centre emphasised that safe food purchasing decisions are the first step in safeguarding household health. The FSQC reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness and ensuring that Ramadan meals across the sultanate remain both wholesome and safe.