KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: According to informed sources, health authorities have reported a recent increase in complaints and cases of food poisoning. The Ministry of Health’s Preventive Health Department and the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) received reports about poisoning cases in five different food establishments.

Consequently, these establishments were closed, and necessary legal and preventive measures were taken against their owners. Upon receiving the reports, food inspection teams from PAFN and the Preventive Health Department immediately conducted raids on the establishments. They collected food and water samples for testing. The establishments will remain closed until the test results confirm the safety of the food. The sources explained that when complaints are received via Hotline No. 1807770 or on PAFN website, or through the Preventive Health Department, specialized teams from both authorities immediately visit the facility. They inspect the facility’s documents, focusing on compliance with Ministerial Resolutions No. 20/2017 and 25/2017 regarding licenses and food control regulations. If violations are found, such as non-compliance in terms of permits, health certificates, or other restrictions, citations are issued.

In cases where reconciliation is not possible, such as the presence of insects or distribution of food unfit for human consumption, the facilities are closed, after the violations are reported to the Public Prosecution. After conducting the initial inspection, the sample receiving department at PAFN collects samples of water and food. Simultaneously, the Preventive Health Department gathers samples from the workers at the facility to compare them with recorded cases of poisoning. Typically, the facility remains closed until the sample results are obtained.

These samples are labeled ‘Urgent’ upon arrival at the Ministry of Health’s laboratories to expedite the results. If the samples test positive, the facility is closed and marked with a red sticker bearing the authority’s seal. Regarding penalties, the sources said the penalties commence with the issuance of violation reports, followed by closure and imposition of fines ranging from KD 500 to KD 50,000. They indicated that the facilities usually request a temporary administrative reopening to rectify the violations. Subsequently, inspection teams revisit the facility to collect samples again. Once the safety of water and food is confirmed, the facility can reopen but will be subjected to continued inspection tours.

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