Keep rotten, damaged food off co-op shelves

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 22: The Financial, Administrative and Cooperative Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Social Affairs has stressed the need for cooperative societies to strictly comply with the regulations of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) to ensure product safety and to protect consumers, say reliable sources. Sources disclosed that the sector sent a circular to the cooperatives, underscoring the importance of separating food products from detergents and chemicals in display and storage areas, allocating secure locations for them, and adhering to proper storage and appropriate temperatures for refrigerated and frozen goods. Sources said the circular reiterated the prohibition of displaying or selling expired, damaged or unfit-for-human-consumption food items, isolating products suspected of being unfit for human consumption, and guaranteeing the integrity of packaging and the clarity of production and expiration information.

Sources added that the circular emphasized the need to comply with health regulations in buildings, warehouses and vehicles used for transporting products, maintaining the cleanliness of markets, refrigerators, cutting and packaging equipment; controlling insects and rodents; and ensuring the safe disposal of waste. Sources revealed that the circular called for making sure that food handlers have valid health certificates and to prevent any employee exhibiting symptoms of any illness from working.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff