KUWAIT CITY, July 25: The Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh announced that 99 ministerial employees have been given the authority to grant issue arrest warrants, adding that 37 male employees and 40 female employees have been appointed as inspectors for examining various markets and commercial stores, reports Alam Alyawm daily.

In a press statement, he disclosed that the inspectors are working even during weekends and holidays, adding that they will soon start receiving complaints from residents of Kuwait through the hotline number 135.

He stressed that through such procedures, the ministry plans to implement full control over the Fruits and Vegetable markets and commercial stores.

Regarding the Cooperative Societies Union, Al-Saleh said, “We are satisfied about our relations with the Union as they have shown unlimited cooperation with regard to certain important issues such as standardization of the prices of food items in all Cooperative societies and so on”.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait Municipality has intensified its efforts to monitor the distribution and sale of various food products in the local market, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a recent press statement, Public Relations Administra-tion Chairperson at the Municipality Rashid Al-Hashan revealed they will continue carrying out a series of surprise inspection campaigns in different parts of the country to ensure strict compliance with the food safety regulations. He clarified this step was taken in response to numerous complaints on the alleged violations committed by traders. He said the inspectors work round the clock as the process begins from the entry of the food items into the country until they reach the hands of consumers. He added the inspectors visit food shops, restaurants, commercial centers and stores regularly in a bid to protect public health.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Al-Rabee, who heads the inspection team, has warned restaurant owners against the recruitment of unqualified people in order to meet the remarkable increase in food orders during Ramadan. He affirmed the Municipality will not hesitate in taking the required steps to punish those proven to have violated the law as part of its commitment to protect public health.

Al-Rabee disclosed the Municipality has taken certain measures against the restaurant workers who have no health certificates as they pose a grave threat to the people. He also stressed the need to strictly comply with the law for everyone’s safety.