Kuwaitis, expats throng Turkish market to buy near expiry items at cheap rates

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Inspection campaigns conducted, says ministry

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: Kuwaitis and expatriates say they buy foodstuff at the Turkish market because it is believed that the foodstuff here is sold at the cheapest prices targeting low income people.

However, the authorities are always keen to ascertain the validity dates of these goods before buying, especially since the validity of most of these goods is close to expiry. People stressed on the importance of intensifying control campaigns on the market which sell Turkish goods and also other food markets to protect the health of citizens and residents.

Jamal Al-Husseini says he buys most of his foodstuff needs from the Turkish market because of the high cost of living. He says he buys the 1.8-liter oil bottle at half a dinar, while it is sold at 1.25 dinars inside consumer cooperatives or other food centers.

The consultant in internal medicine Dr Ayman Reza warned of eating food that is close to expiry pointing out that it leads to chronic diseases, including colon cancer, as well as food poisoning.

Dr Reza explained expired infant milk can lead to the death of the child and stressed on the need to check the validity dates which should be not less than a month and preferably more than 3 months. He pointed out that the most cases of poisoning that come to hospitals are caused by pollution or eating food that is unfit for human consumption.

He indicated eating expired canned fruit can spread viruses harmful to the body and those who feel the pain in the abdomen after eating must go to the hospital before the issue turns into a health disaster.

A source in the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said there are intensive and permanent inspection campaigns on all food markets, including the Turkish market, to protect consumers from food that has been poorly stored or expired. The source stressed that the legal procedures are taken against the violator immediately, which includes the closure of the shop and may include fines and imprisonment in case the violation is repeated.

By Najeh Bilal Al-Seyassah Staff

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