KUWAIT CITY, July 7: Hanan Abbas, Head of the Hawalli Governorate Inspection Department at the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, revealed that the department inspected 474 food establishments in June. These inspections led to the seizure and destruction of 586 kilograms of food unfit for human consumption, the issuance of 186 violation reports, and the closure of 14 food establishments.

In a statement, Abbas said that, based on directives from the Director General of the Authority, Dr. Reem Al-Fulaij, and under the supervision of the Director of the Hawalli Governorate Inspection Department, Abdullah Al-Kandari, inspection tours were organized with the assistance of technical specialists in food safety.

These tours aimed to ensure effective control over food establishments, guaranteeing the quality and safety of food, thereby protecting consumers’ health. Abbas added that the violations included operating a food facility without a health license from the authority, selling food items unfit for human consumption that had changed in color, shape, and smell based on visual examination, and employing workers handling food without health certificates to ensure they are free from infectious diseases.

These violations are issued to both the worker and the employer. She also noted that violations involved non-compliance with general hygiene rules. Insects and cockroaches were found on the premises leading to non-compliance with personal hygiene standards for workers, handling food without meeting technical and health requirements, and leaving food or waste outside establishments. Abbas urged consumers to report any complaints via the hotline 1807770 or through the website. In a related context, the PAFN Capital Governorate inspection teams issued 16 citations during recent inspection tours of restaurants and food establishments in the region.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies