Food Authority shuts down 20 establishments for violations

KUWAIT CITY, July 31: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in Kuwait has seized 377 kilograms of spoiled fish from Al-Mubarakiya Market, following a series of inspections. Muhammad Al-Kandari, head of the Mubarakiya Center at the Authority, revealed this to Al-Jarida, noting that the inspections in the Capital Governorate are being conducted round the clock.

The inspection campaigns led to the discovery of spoiled fish, which displayed altered natural properties such as changes in color, taste, smell, and shape, as well as disintegrated scales and tissues. These findings are in violation of Executive Regulation 20 of 2017, which sets strict standards for food safety.

As a result of these inspections, 57 violation reports were issued, and 20 administrative decisions were made to close food establishments. Among these, eight closures occurred in Al-Mubarakiya Market, and twelve in neighboring areas under the Capital Governorate's jurisdiction.

Al-Kandari explained that the violations included trading in adulterated food and the absence of a food data card on the seized items. Additionally, establishments were fined for poor hygiene practices, including the presence of live insects at food sites.

The continuous inspection efforts, operating through a shift system, are directed by Dr. Reem Al-Fulaij, Director General of the Public Authority for Food, and Mishaal Al-Zaabi, Deputy Director for Prevention and Inspection. These measures aim to protect consumer health and combat commercial fraud in the food sector.