AI tools, coordination with manufacturers and international alerts help PAFN do its job
KUWAIT: Following a voluntary recall of Nestlé’s NAN S26 baby formula over potential contamination, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Food and Nutrition says its rigorous monitoring and risk-assessment systems prevent unsafe products from reaching infants. The precautionary withdrawal, announced six days ago, involved certain batches of NAN S26, NAN Supreme Pro, NAN Comfort, and S26 Ultima. The authority urged suppliers to recall the affected products and refrain from distributing them to the market, emphasizing that the action was preventive and no illnesses had been reported.
“The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition is fully committed to protecting consumers’ health and the safety of food products, especially those related to children,” said Faisal Al-Rashidi, Director of Food Safety at the authority, told KTV.
The early warning phase
The recall process begins long before a product is pulled from the shelf. According to Al-Rashidi, the authority maintains constant vigilance through a multi-layered monitoring system. This includes direct coordination with manufacturers, who often self-report potential issues following internal investigations, as well as international alert systems.
Kuwait serves as a point of contact for the Gulf and European Rapid Alert Systems and the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN). In addition, the authority relies on artificial intelligence to monitor global media for key terms such as “food poisoning” or “pesticides,” allowing officials to quickly assess whether a reported risk affects the local market.
“The moment any report reaches us, we verify through our electronic systems whether the product entered the Kuwaiti market, then assess the risk and take the necessary action,” Al-Rashidi said.
Risk assessment and categorization
Once a potential hazard is identified, the authority conducts a comprehensive risk assessment. This includes meetings with the manufacturing company to review its internal investigation and identify possible points of risk.
A key part of the process is distinguishing between voluntary and mandatory recalls. A voluntary, or precautionary, recall is initiated when there is a possibility of contamination, even if laboratory tests have not confirmed a defect. This approach is particularly strict for sensitive products.
“Products intended for children are a red line for us,” Al-Rashidi said. “If there is any possibility of risk, we do not allow room for hesitation.”
Mandatory recalls, by contrast, are enforced when contamination is confirmed or illness cases are recorded. “In those cases, the recall becomes compulsory under our regulations,” he said.
Execution and enforcement
Once a recall is initiated, the PAFN tracks the product through its electronic systems to determine where it entered the country and where it is distributed. Inspection teams then conduct field visits across all governorates and at points of entry to ensure full compliance.
While the authority encourages transparency and cooperation from companies, negligence carries serious legal consequences. Under Kuwaiti law, selling food unfit for human consumption can result in fines ranging from KD 50,000 to 100,000, imprisonment and the revocation of commercial licenses.
“Public health is a red line,” Al-Rashidi said. “We do not hesitate when it comes to protecting people’s safety.”
The consumer’s role
Transparency, officials say, is central to preventing unnecessary panic. The authority publishes detailed notices on its social media platforms, clearly identifying affected batches and expiry dates to prevent consumers from discarding safe products from the same brand. Al-Rashidi urged the public to rely on official information rather than rumors. Consumers who encounter expired or suspicious products can report them directly to the authority via the 1807 hotline, the official website, or the government’s “Sahel” app. “Any product that raises concern, we welcome reports from consumers,” he said. “We have dedicated teams ready to respond, because protecting consumers is our responsibility.”
