KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) has seized and destroyed 10 tons of spoiled shrimp and fish that were en route to Souq Sharq’s fish market, in the latest enforcement move to protect consumers. Inspectors intercepted four refrigerated trucks during a surprise early-morning inspection near the market and determined the entire shipment was unfit for human consumption. “As part of our ongoing efforts to protect public health and ensure food safety, the spoiled seafood was immediately confiscated and destroyed,” said Ali Al-Kandari, Director of the Capital Governorate Inspection Department. “Violations were recorded, and the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution.”
KUWAIT: Public Authority for Food and Nutrition officials examine spoiled fish and shrimp after intercepting four refrigerated trucks near the Souq Sharq fish market. — KUNA photos
Al-Kandari emphasized that the authority will continue cracking down on food fraud and take firm action against anyone endangering consumer health. “We will strike with an iron fist at anyone who attempts to profit from selling expired or unsafe food,” he said.
The case highlights a recurring issue that has plagued Kuwait’s seafood sector for over a decade. Officials in the country’s fish industry have long warned of large quantities of spoiled fish being passed for fresh catch. Recent enforcement actions suggest the problem remains persistent. Last year, PAFN closed seven stalls at Souq Sharq for selling spoiled seafood and violating health codes. A separate inspection at Souq Al-Mubarakiya led to the destruction of 90 kilograms of bad fish and 31 citations, including for poor hygiene, lack of health certificates and selling adulterated food.
In a statement, Abdullah Al-Suraheed, President of the Kuwait Fishermen’s Union, praised the role of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in protecting the public from spoiled food. He stressed the importance of exposing those who harm public health and distribute unsafe products without a conscience, driven solely by profit at the expense of citizens’ well-being. Officials say the latest operation is part of a nationwide inspection campaign ordered by the Cabinet to tighten food security and ensure that all products in the market meet health and safety standards. Al-Kandari confirmed that inspections will continue across all six governorates. “We are working around the clock to ensure that no spoiled or fraudulent food reaches people’s homes,” he said. — Agencies
