In Video: Food Authority Raids Private Residence in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Used as a Confectionery and Cake Factory

A joint inspection operation uncovered serious violations threatening consumer health. The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN), in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, seized a private residence that had been used as an unlicensed food factory for preparing, distributing, and selling various food products, in blatant violation of the laws and health regulations in force in the country.

Dr. Saud Al-Humaidi Al-Jalal, Director General of Inspection and Supervision Affairs at the PAFN, stated that the inspection campaign was launched following reports, information, and investigations confirming the existence of food-related activities being conducted inside a private residence without obtaining a health license from the Authority.

Al-Jalal explained that, after obtaining authorization from the Public Prosecution, specialized teams carried out a raid on the site. Inspections revealed the presence of food items unfit for human consumption and others that had expired, in addition to workers operating without health certificates proving they were free from infectious diseases. Furthermore, there were violations related to non-compliance with health and technical requirements and general hygiene standards.

He confirmed that the Authority issued a number of violation notices against those responsible for the illegal site and referred it to the Public Prosecution to take the necessary legal measures. He noted that the penalties stipulated by law can reach fines ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 Kuwaiti dinars, along with a prison sentence of three to six years, as determined by the competent judicial authorities.

For her part, Hanan Abbas Hussein, Food Inspection Supervisor at the Inspection Department of the Al-Mubarakiya Governorate within the PAFN, clarified that the site was being used as an unlicensed food factory to prepare, distribute, and sell various food items, including sweets and cakes, in response to reports and information received by the Authority.

She added that the campaign resulted in the issuance of 26 violation reports and the destruction of approximately 30 kilograms of food unfit for human consumption, in addition to seizing adulterated and unidentified food products lacking labeling information. She noted that the violations also included operating a food establishment without a health license and selling unfit and adulterated food.

She pointed out that 11 workers were found handling food without valid health certificates, and legal measures were taken against them and the employer. Other violations were also noted, including non-compliance with health and technical requirements and general hygiene standards.

The PAFN emphasized that using private residences to conduct food-related activities constitutes a serious offense that exposes perpetrators to legal accountability, reaffirming its commitment to continuing its inspection campaigns against various illegal food activities to protect consumer health and enhance food safety in the country. The Authority also called on those wishing to engage in food-related activities to comply with legal procedures and obtain the necessary licenses, and urged consumers to deal only with licensed food establishments and to report any suspicious practices or food activities to safeguard public health.