‫هيئة التقييس لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية‬

GCC STANDARDIZATION ORGANIZATION (GSO)

Final draft

GSO5/FDS ---/ 2008

‫اشتراطات تداول األغذية الجاهزة لألكل‬

Requirements for handling of Ready – to – eat foods

Prepared by:
GSO Technical Committee for sector standards of food and agriculture products

This documents is a draft Gulf standard circulated for comments, It is therefore

subject to alteration and modification and may not be referred to as Gulf
standard until approved by GSO Board of Directors.
 FORWARD

Standardization Organization for GCC (GSO) is a regional Organization which

consists of the National Standard Bodies of GCC member States.
One of GSO main functions is to issue Gulf Standard/ Technical regulation
through specialized technical committees (TCs).
GSO through the technical program of committee TC No: (5) "Technical Gulf
committee for food and agriculture product standards" has prepared this
standard by state of Qatar .This draft has been prepared after review the Arabic,
foreigner and international standards and related compiled references .
This standard has been approved as Gulf Technical regulation by GSO Board of
Directors in its meeting No…../………..held on / / H, / /
Gulf standard GSO …/2008

Contents

1. Scope and field of application

2. Complementary references
3. Definitions
4. Requirements
4.1 General requirements
4.2 Requirements for inputs and ingredients
4.3 Requirements for area for preparation
4.4 Requirements for food preparation
4.5 Requirements for the transport of prepared food
4.6 Requirements for street food marketing
4.7 Requirements for protect and sale of food
4.8 Requirements for vendors
5. Expiry dates:
5.1 Bakery products
5.2 Fresh fruits and vegetables
5.3 Other product
6 Technical terms
7 References

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

Requirements for handling of Ready to-eat foods

1. Scope and field of application:
This Gulf standard is concerned with the requirements for handling of
Ready – to – eat foods, handling, preparation, its requirements, keeping and
its expiry dates.

2. Complimentary references:
2.1 GSO (9): "Labelling of prepackaged food stuffs".
2.2 GSO (21): "Hygienic regulations in food plants and their personnel "
2.3 GSO (149): "Unbolted drinking water".
2.4 GSO (123): "General requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables".
2.5 GSO (150): "Expiration dates for food products".
2.6 GSO (168): "Requirements of storage facilities for dry and canned food
stuffs ".
2.7 GSO (323): "General requirements for transportation and storage of chilled
and frozen foods".
2.8 GSO (815): "Code of hygienic practice for preparation, transportation,
handling and storing of fresh meat".
2.9 GSO (1002): "Chicken eggs".
2.10 GSO (1026): "Code of hygienic practice for preparation, transportation,
handling and storing of fresh fish".
2.10 3. Definitions:
3.1 Ready – to – eat food:
Any food (including beverages) which is normally consumed in its raw
state or any food handled, processed, cooked or other wise prepared into a
form in which it is normally consumed without further processing".
3.2 Perishable food:
Food that consists wholly or partly of milk, milk products, eggs, meat,
poultry, fish or shell fish, or ingredient that are capable of supporting the
progressive growth of microorganisms that can cause food spoilage or food
poisoning and other food borne illness.
3.3 Street foods:
Ready to eat foods and beverages, prepare and/ or sold in streets and other
similar public places.
3.4 Food handler:
Any person who directly touches packaged or unpackaged food, food
equipments, utensils or food contact surfaces.

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

3.5 Contaminant:
Any biological or chemical agent, foreign matter, or other substances not
intentionally added to food which may comprise food safety or suitability.
3.6 Contamination:
The introduction or occurrence of a contamination in food or food
environment.
3.7 Disinfection:
The reduction, by means of chemical agents and/or physical methods, of the
number of microorganisms in the environment, to a level that does not
comprise food safety or suitability.
3.8 Food hygiene:
All conditions necessary to ensure the safety and suitability of food at all
stage of the food chain.
3.9 Mobile vender:
Any person with/without a vehicle going from place to place for the
purpose of preparing, serving, distributing or delivering street foods.
3.10 Food poisoning:
A case strucked person or more with the same illness symptoms as a result
to consumed the same food, and produced from the arrival of food which
contain microbe or its secreted poison or some poison chemical matters to
the human.
3.11 Food spoilage:
Undesire change in food appear in physical characteristics as color, taste,
odour and texture or which caused with the affect of microorganisms or by
chemical composition of food product.
3.12 Food containers:
Any food grade containers such as cans hermetically sealed containers.
sealed jars, milk bottles or cans and similar containers with seals.
3.13 Street food center:
Any public place designated by the relevant authority for the preparation
and sale of street foods.
3.14 Water container:
Any form of food grade container which is used for the purpose of storing
and has not been previously for any other purpose which could caused
contamination of the water stored in it.

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

4. Requirements:
4.1 General requirements:
4.1.1 The places for preparation, handling and sale of ready to eat foods shall be
comply with Gulf standard mentioned in item (2.2).
4.1.2 Raw materials used in ready to eat foods shall be comply with Gulf
standards specification each.
4.1.3 Ready to eat foods shall be free from pig products and alcohols.
4.1.4 Water used in the washing and preparation of ready to eat foods shall be
comply with Gulf standard mentioned in item (2.4).
4.1.5 Persons for the processes of purchasing and preparing these foods shall be
free from ills and pestilences according to Gulf standard mentioned in item
(2.2).
4.1.6 Food storing process used in the preparation of the product shall be
comply to what has mentioned in Gulf standard stated in item (2.2).
4.2 Requirements for inputs and ingredients:
4.2.1 Purchase of inputs and ingredients:
4.2.1.1 Purchase input and ingredients from authorized retailers or approved
source, under adequate storage conditions, with refrigeration / freezing
(perishable items), stored on shelves or boxes and protected from
contamination.
4.2.1.2 Purchase packaged inputs and ingredients that bear a manufactures
name, and do not purchase food products that are unlabelled and/or without a
clearly stated shelf life, and the labels shall be comply with Gulf standard
mentioned in item (2.1).
4.2.1.3 Only purchase inputs and ingredients whose orgaroleptic properties are
correspond to the specific characteristics or nature of the fresh food are raw
material and that do not show signs of any kind of alteration and/or
adulteration.
4.2.1.4 Only purchase perishable inputs and ingredients maintained at adequate
temperature.
4.2.1.5 Only purchase food products in quantities that correspond to adequate
storage / preservation capacity.
4.2.2 Transport, reception and storage of in puts and ingredients:
4.2.2.1 Transport of all purchased product in adequate conditions, avoiding
hazard of chemical, physical or biological contamination and spoilage of the
goods, mentioning or adequate temperature, and isolating each item to
prevent cross-contamination, it should not be transported foods products
together with toxic and/or chemical substance (disinfectants, detergent,
pesticide. etc). For packaged product follow the manufacturers instructions

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

on the label and/or storage conditions complying with general principles of

food hygiene and legal provisions in force.
4.2.2.2 The vehicle, containers and packaging used for transportation should be
adequately clean, and should have sufficient internal space and comply with
Gulf standard mentioned in item (2.5).
4.2.2.3 Inputs and ingredients must be received and kept in clean places, meat,
fish and other perishable products should be placed on containers under
refrigeration and/or freezing, and bulk commodities in clean containers.
4.2.2.4 Shelves, boxes and storage places, should be clean and protected from
dust and other contamination agent.
4.2.2.5 Keep recipients containing food clearly labeled in separated areas from
non-edible product like soap, disinfectants, pesticides and other topic
substances.
4.2.2.6 Rotate the stock of products on a first in, first out basis.
4.2.2.7 Keep the food protected from contamination by pests (insects, rodents,
and other biological agent.
4.3 Requirement for the area of preparation:
4.3.1 Areas where food is prepared:
4.3.1.1 The designation of these areas should be comply with has been
mentioned in Gulf standard stated in item (2.5).
4.3.1.2 They should be sufficient lit. keep as clean at all times, and suited as
possible for from any source of contamination (rubbish, waste. Water,
animals).
4.3.1.3 Equipments should be made from appropriate materials for easy cleaning
and disinfecting.
4.3.1.4 Containers for water storage should be clean.
4.3.1.5 Waste water should be adequately disposed of and not present a hazard
to potable water, food, surrounding area or food handlers.
4.3.1.6 The working area, including surfaces in contact with food (utensils table
surface, cutters, water outlets, etc) should be in good condition and properly
maintained and should be washed with potable water and disinfectants.
4.3.1.7 Do not use, for food, containers previously used for substance that are
toxic or harmful to human health, such as insecticides, paints or motor oil.
4.3.1.8 Do not keep fuel, toxic substances in or inflammable products in direct
content with food, working shall be carried out out according to relevant
authority.

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

4.3.2 Outdoor places:

4.3.2.1 It should be clean and protected from sum, dust and wind and should not
be in direct with public and consumers.
4.3.2.2 Equipments, such as stoves or similar appliances, must be contracted and
maintained safely and adequately.
4.3.2.3 The potable water supply should be sufficient for all needs, and when not
from a public source of potable water, the water mist be of similar quality.
4.3.2.4 The area where the food is prepared should be at least off the ground and
suitable for the quantity of food prepared, handled and kept.
4.3.2.5 Surrounding area should be clean, good maintenance and disinfected.
4.3.3 Hygienic facilities:
4.3.3.1 Transported of water should be kept in an appropriate containers (easy to
clean, non-toxic material and hermetically sealed) to preserve the water and
prevent contamination.
4.3.3.2 Containers, utensils and working surfaces for food, should be of a non-
toxic material, easy to clean and resistant to high temperature when used for
cooking.
4.3.3.3 Determination and disinfectants used to clean and disinfect working
surfaces and utensils, should as far as possible, be non-toxic and non-
corrosive.
4.3.4 Hygienic practice:
4.3.4.1 Person in content with directly or indirectly foods, should be in a state of
health complying with requirements mentioned in Gulf standard stated in
item (2.2).
4.3.4.2 Hair must be comply cover during food handling and preparing, nails
should be short and clean.
4.3.4.3 Pearson's in content with food, should refrain from spitting, sneezing,
smoking or behavior / habits that can compromise food safety.
4.3.4.4 Food handlers should wear appropriate clean clothes and should be
changed every day.
4.3.4.5 Pearson's content with food should not wear rings or bracelets while
handing food.
4.3.4.6 Hands should be carefully washed with potable water and infecting soap
after use of the toilet or direct handling of fresh foods, such as meat, fruit and
vegetables, and before handling of prepared or semi – prepared foods.
4.3.4.7 Pearson's should be trained in the hygienic handling of food to protect
food at all time.

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

4.3.4.8 Utensils, dishes, glasses, water outlets and working surfaces. Should be
cleaned and disinfected after each instance of food preparation.
4.4 Requirements for food preparation:
4.4.1 Requirements for preliminary preparation:
4.4.1.1 Fruits and vegetables:
a. only used fruits and vegetables that have been protected from contamination
and properly conserved.
b. Select sound and suitable fruit and vegetables and fit human consumption
and should be comply to what has been mentioned in Gulf standard stated in
(2.3).
c. Wash and disinfect fruit and vegetables before using then directly or as a
food ingredient.
d. Prepare each kind of fruit and vegetable in the appropriate manner and
according to its intended use.
e. Peel , Squeeze and/or cut, as appropriate, fruits and vegetables with
appropriate and hyienized equipments and utensils.
f. keep previously prepared fruits and vegetables in hygienized and properly
covered recipient at suitable temperature.
4.4.1.2 Fresh meat and fish:
a. When necessary, thaw frozen meat and fish in refrigerator, a microwave can
be used to accelerate thawing, Avoid thawing at room temperature.
b. Handle fresh meat and fish in such away as to prevent direct as indirect cross
contamination of the working surfaces, utensils and other food product it
should be comply with what has been mentioned in Gulf standard stated in
item (2.6) when preparing handling and storage of fresh meat.
c. Clean the fresh meat and fish, removing undesirable parts, when necessary.
d. It should be comply with what has been intended in Gulf standard stated in
item (2.9) when preparing, transporting, handling and storage the fish.
4.4.1.3 Other foods:
a. Cheeses, sausage, salami and similar foods:
a.1 Avoid content with hand, conduct all operations such as slicing, cutting,
grinding with appropriate instruments and avoid exposure at room
temperature.
a.2 Prepare to amount necessary for a mutinous of four hours of work.
a.3 Food can talners and packaged foods should not present any alteration
(corrosion visual alteration, etc).
a.4 Grains flour , sugar , salt and similar products should not contain evident
humidity and should be kept in appropriate covered containers to prevent
alteration and contamination .

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

a.5 Do not use raw eggs in the preparation of foods and beverages intended for
direct consumption , that are not to be cooked afterwards, the egg shall be
comply with Gulf Standards mentioned in item (2.8) .
a.6 The manufacturer should be provided instructions on storage and use , which
would comply with rules of hygiene .

4.4.2 Requirements of final preparation :

4.4.2.1 Cook the food at sufficient temperature , noting corresponding in colour,
aspect or consistency .
4.4.2.2 Protect the food after cooking ,from all possible sources of
contamination , if prepared food is to be seasoned with uncooked ingredients,
it should be before direct consumption .
4.4.2.3 The time between preparation and consumption , should not be exceed as
follows :
a – Up to 6 hours when foods are kept at a temperature above 60˚c .
b – Up to one day when foods are kept at a maximum temperature of 5˚c ,
provided that time for hot foods should not be more than 3 hours to reach a
temperature of 5˚c .
c – Reheat only once refrigerated food completely to a temperature of 70˚c ,
immediately before consumption.
d – Sandwiches prepared at sales point should be prepared at the moment of
consumption .
e – Fresh salads and fresh fruit, should preferably prepared at time of
consumption .
f – Fresh salad (vegetable with added mayonnaise or other salad creams ,
cheese , Lancheon…etc) should be kept below 5˚c from preparation to final
consumption .
g – Foods to be cooked or heated immediately before consumption , should be
kept below 5˚c .
h – Only prepare the foods what can be sold in a day .

4.5 Requirements of the transport of prepared foods :

4.5.1 Vehicles for the transport of prepared foods should have a separate
compartment protected from direct sun , dust , rain and other contaminants.
4.5.2 The compartment to transport prepared foods should be made of
appropriate material for the transportation of food and easy to clean .
4.5.3 The transportation of waste foods should be separated from transport
vehicles of foods .
4.5.4 foods should be transported in appropriate containers ( made of non –toxic
materials and throughly cleaned and disinfected ), properly sealed and
protected from contamination .
4.5.5 The temperature should be controlled , avoiding room temperature
exposure of foods that must be kept hot or refrigerated .

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

4.5.6 When the transportation time exceeds two hours, the food container should
be placed I thermal boxes .
4.5.7 Place prepared hot foods in thermal boxes separate from prepared cold or
chilled foods, use thermal different boxes of these two types of prepared
foods .

4.6Requirement of street food marketing :

4.6.1 The sales stall (kiosk , barrow , mobile stall – etc ) should be built
of solid material and should be sufficiently high from the ground to
be easily sanitized .
4.6.2 The sales stall and its surrounding should be kept clean , free of
litter and in good condition .
4.6.3 When sales stall not in use , it should be kept under cover and be
kept in a clean place .
4.6.4 The outdoor sales area should not be used for any other purpose .
4.6.5 The outdoor sales area should be located in a zone determined by
the authorities so that is protected from contaminant sources and
from animals.
4.6.6 The sales area should be free from personal belongings , such as
clothes , foot wear , blankets , tobacco …etc.
4.6.7 Adornments ,such as vases with or without flowers or plants and
other items may be placed in such away that they do not represent a
source for food contamination .

4.7 Requirements for protection and sale foods :

4.7.1 Food and beverages should be served using disposable plates ,
utensils , glasses and napkins , used disposable items should be
deposited in to a suitable and separate containers .
4.7.2 Leftovers in dishes , glasses …etc should be deposited in covered ,
secure and appropriate containers to avoid attracting domestic
animals .
4.7.3 Take – away food should be wrapped in unused non –
contaminating paper and or plastic. The use of printed plastic or
paper is for biden .
4.7.4 When hot food been chilled , reheating must be at above 70˚c .
4.7.5 Salt , sugar , mustard , ketchup , mayonnaise and similar products
to be used by the consumer should be supplied in dispensers that
will avoid their contamination .
4.7.6 Utensils used to server food portions for consumption should be
cleaned and disinfected when necessary .
4.7.7 Avoid direct hand contact with ready –to- eat food of any kind ,
including peeled fruits .

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Gulf standard GSO …/2008

4.7.8 Do not handle money and similar things when preparation of food ,
when necessary , wash and disinfect hand before preparing food .
4.7.9 If the outdoor point of sale is a vehicle , the driver
should be duly separate from the compartment used for final food
preparation , storage or sale .

4.8 Requirements of vendors :

4.8.1 Waste containers should be kept far from the food handling area
and have a lid , and should be of resistant material , water proof and
easy to clean .
4.8.2 Waste water should be collected and disposed of separately from
solid waste ,and disposed in the public drainage system , and not
thrown on to the ground or in to surface water such rivers and
lakes.
4.8.3 Solid waste should be disposed of according to municipal
regulations .
4.8.4 Food waste should be disposed of in such a way as not to attract
insects and animals such as flies , dogs and cats .
4.8.5 Pest control should be carried out in accordance with municipal
regulations .
The application of chemical substances for pest control should only be done
by authorized technical personnels. The procedure should avoid the
contamination of food, personnels and the environments.

5- Expiry dates for fresh foods and ready – to- eat foods :

5.1 Bakery products:

Product Storage at normal Storage at refrigerated

atmosphere ( +1 to +4 ) ˚c
(conditioning)
- Normal bread , croissant 2 days 7 days
cake
- Cake , flat cake , sponge 2 days 7 days
cake, chocolate cake , fruit
cake
- Pound cake , baked rolls 3 days 7 days
- Cheese cake NO 7 days
- Ready cake 2 Weeks One month
-Stuffed cake with cream NO 2 days
- Doughnut cake 2 days 2 days

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 Gulf standard GSO …/2008

5.2 Fresh fruits and vegetables:

Product Storage at normal Storage at

atmosphere (conditioning) refrigerated
( +1 to +4 ) ˚c
- Apple , beets , artichokes 2 days 7 days
whole
-Apricots , Avocados, peaches One days 4 days
plums , kiwi
- Citrus , papaye , mango , 3day 7 days
pears
- Grapes One days 7 days
- Melons One day (sliced) 3 days ( sliced )
- Leaf vegetables NO One day
- Berries , cherries ,bananas NO 2 days
- Cucumbers , squash , peppers NO 4 days
-Egg plant One day 3 days
- Lettuce , Mushrooms , Okra NO 3 days
tomatoes , beans , asparagus
- Celery, fresh herbs , Leeks NO 7 days
- Onion 2 weeks 2 months

5.3 Other products:

Product Storage at Notes
refrigerated
( +1 to +4 ) ˚c
- Fresh fruit drinks One day Not
freezing
- Chicken parts, cakes with minced chicken meat
cooked poultry , minced chicken or turkey meat ,
proceed chicken meat sealed in packages , chicken
pieces covered with brother or gravy, makaronea salad One day
, stuffed beefor lamb meat ,cakes with minced meat
,beef or lamb meat for grill, smoked meat riceses .
- Boneless fish piceses , loboster , oyster, minced meat 2 days
, liver, susages , whole or piceses turkey
- Ready meat slices ,salads except tomatoes, beef or 3 days
lamb meat
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