2,230 citations against violations issued; 52 warehouses shut

One of the illegal markets

KUWAIT CITY, May 30: Director General of Kuwait Municipality Eng Ahmad Al-Manfouhi affirmed that the first phase of the campaign titled “Your Health is Trust” launched by municipality’s Public Relations Department has so far achieved its objectives in tightening control on the trading and storing of foodstuffs, reports Al-Seyassah daily.He explained on Tuesday that the monitoring bodies in the branches of Kuwait Municipality in all governorates had intensified inspection campaigns on cooperative societies, warehouses of foodstuff companies, shops eateries and restaurants before the month of Ramadan. Kuwait Municipality has managed to deliver a clear message to all citizens and residents that tightening control on foodstuff trading is its top priority in order to ensure the safety of foodstuffs sold to consumers.Al-Manfouhi affirmed that the campaign will continue during mornings and evenings for implementing the monitoring role so that the law is applied on all violators of municipal rules and regulations. He praised the efforts exerted by inspectors during inspection operations especially in confiscating large quantities of spoiled and expired foodstuffs. Al-Manfouhi urged them to put more effort in serving the nation for the sake of the public’s interest.Meanwhile, the Public Relations Department said the initial campaigns of the first phase resulted in confiscation of 98.962 tons of expired foodstuffs, administrative closure of 52 warehouses and shops, and issuance of 2,230 citations against violations including those related to general hygiene and advertisements. Director General of the Public Relations Department Abdulmohsen Abalkhail explained that the inspectors from the Capital Municipality confiscated 57.252 tons of expired foodstuffs after raiding 541 warehouses.In addition, 21 warehouses were administratively shut down, 138 advertisements were removed, 107 citations were issued and 10 grocery stores (bakalas) were evacuated from private houses. In another development, the Public Relations Department announced the launch of its Ramadan Tournament with the participation of 14 teams with 140 players from different municipality sectors.The Sports Activities Unit affiliated to the department explained that the tournament kicked off on Tuesday with a match between the teams of Licensing Department of Hawally Municipality and the Employees Affairs Department.The Licensing Department won the match with a score of 2-0. The second match was between the teams of Hawally Safety and Security and Municipal Council. The Municipal Council managed to win with a score of 3-2. The third match was between the teams of “the Sons of Jahra Municipality Staff” and “Sons of the Public Relations Staff”. The tournament will continue until June 7 but other sports activities will continue during and after the month of Ramadan.