Register Functional Foods in Qatar | MoPH Rules 2025

How Do You Register Functional Foods in Qatar?
(2025 MoPH Guide)

Functional foods—products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition—are under strict scrutiny in Qatar.

From MoPH classification to formula evaluation, labeling, and health claims, registration requires both precision and planning.

Functional foods must not only meet general food safety standards but also undergo special classification, scientific claim validation, and lab-based testing to ensure they are both safe and effective.

Here are the key questions companies ask about functional food registration in Qatar—and the expert answers that will help you avoid delays.

What counts as a functional food under Qatar’s MoPH rules?

Functional foods are typically food products enhanced with:

• Vitamins, minerals, or amino acids

• Probiotics and prebiotics

• Plant extracts (e.g., green tea, ginseng)

• Fortified ingredients with health claims

If your food label includes phrases like “supports immunity,” “heart-healthy,” or “improves digestion,” it will likely fall under MoPH’s functional food classification.

Unlike standard food items, these products are evaluated not only for nutritional value but also for physiological impact on human health.

Do functional foods need special MoPH classification?

Yes. MoPH classifies functional foods separately from regular food products. You must:

• Justify your classification request with scientific documentation

• Provide a clear product purpose

• Avoid using unapproved health or disease claims

If a product straddles the line between food and supplement, MoPH may refer it to the relevant regulatory department for further evaluation.

Accurate classification from the beginning is key to avoiding delays and costly reformulations.

What documentation is required for functional food approval?

MoPH will request:

• Full ingredient list with exact composition and purpose

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each active ingredient

• Scientific literature supporting health claims (if any)

• Stability and shelf-life data

• Label with Arabic and English versions, compliant with Qatar’s format

For products with imported ingredients or proprietary blends, manufacturer documentation, country-of-origin certificates, and technical sheets may also be required.

Every document must be legalized, translated, and match your application file to avoid inconsistencies that could raise compliance flags.

Can you include health claims on functional food labels?

Only if they are:

• Scientifically supported

• Non-therapeutic

• Approved by MoPH or based on internationally accepted guidelines

Permissible claims include phrases like "supports digestion," "rich in antioxidants," or "contributes to normal immune function."

However, claims like “treats high blood pressure” or “prevents diabetes” will trigger a reclassification into pharmaceutical or supplement categories.

What testing is required for functional food registration in Qatar?

Expect the following:

• Microbiological safety testing

• Heavy metal and contamination checks

• Active ingredient content analysis

• Stability tests to prove shelf-life claims

Additional MoPH-requested testing may include nutrient profile verification or clinical documentation review, depending on the nature of the claim and product type.

Tests must be conducted by accredited labs and included with your file.

MoPH typically prefers ISO 17025-certified labs or those pre-approved within Qatar.

How does Product Registration Qatar support functional food approval?

Our experts:

• Help classify your product correctly before submission

• Guide scientific documentation and health claim approvals

• Translate and legalize all technical files for MoPH use

• Coordinate product testing and certification with accredited labs

• Review your marketing language to ensure it complies with MoPH's labeling expectations

We ensure your functional food meets both scientific and legal expectations—so your approval isn’t just fast, it’s stress-free.

Final Takeaway

Functional foods offer incredible potential in Qatar’s wellness market—but only if you navigate MoPH approval correctly.

From classification to labeling, every detail matters.

With proper documentation, testing, and regulatory translation, you can avoid delays and bring your functional product to market with confidence.

Continue reading:

• Need help with scientific claims and compliance? Read Supplement Market Authorization in Qatar.

• Want to avoid rejections? Explore MoPH Product Approval Failures in Qatar – Fix Guide (2025).

• Understand the document preparation process in How to Prepare Documents for MoPH Product Registration in Qatar (2025).

• Learn how shelf life and expiry dates affect MoPH registration in Qatar.

• Secure MoPH approval before importing to Qatar to stay compliant.

For personalized support, chat with our regulatory team in the bottom right corner or book a free consultation now.

Ready to Ensure Your Product is Fully Compliant?

Fill out the form below and let our experts guide you through label checks, formula validation, and registration—step by step.

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