Illegal Grocery Operating From Al-Qusour Home Raided

KUWAIT CITY, Jun 17: In a new operation aimed at safeguarding food security and protecting consumer health, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN), in cooperation with the Criminal Investigation Department in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, has raided a private residence in the Al-Qusour area that was being illegally used as a grocery store and food trading facility.

Authorities said the property was being operated by expatriate workers without the required licenses, health approvals or official certificates, while also serving as a residence for the workers. The facility was allegedly receiving customers and conducting the storage, sale and distribution of food products despite lacking the legal authorization required for food-related activities.

افتقار للاشتراطات الصحية والسلامة

مبيت العمالة داخل البقالة

حليب تموين يباع في البقالة

The raid followed complaints and reports received by the governorate's inspection department, prompting inspectors and security personnel to investigate the site.

During the inspection, officials found that the facility was not hygienically equipped for handling, storing or selling food products and lacked essential safety measures and health requirements. Inspectors also determined that food handlers at the site did not possess the necessary health certificates required under Kuwait's food safety regulations.

Speaking on the operation, Hanan Haji, Food Inspection Supervisor at the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate Inspection Department, stressed that all food trading, storage and sales activities fall under the authority's jurisdiction and must comply with strict licensing and health standards.

She warned consumers against purchasing food products from unlicensed or unknown sources and urged the public to report any suspected illegal food-related activities to help protect public health and consumer safety.

According to Haji, violation reports were issued for operating and managing a food establishment without a health license, as well as for workers handling food products without obtaining the required certifications.

Authorities confirmed that legal procedures have been initiated against those involved and that the case will be referred to the Public Prosecution for further action.

PAFN also highlighted the government's determination to crack down on unlicensed food businesses, noting that violations can carry substantial financial penalties ranging from KD 100 to KD 100,000, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.

The authority said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat illegal food activities, enforce food safety regulations and ensure that products sold to consumers meet approved health and safety standards.