«Ministry of Commerce» to Cooperative Societies: Adhere to «Food Authority» Instructions.. Consumer Health is a Priority
Faisal Matar: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, represented by its Financial and Administrative Affairs Sector and Cooperation Affairs Sector, has stressed the necessity for cooperative societies to comply with the requirements of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, ensuring the safety of displayed food products and protecting consumer health.
In a circular addressed to cooperative societies, the ministry emphasized the need to separate food items from cleaning supplies, detergents, and chemical substances in display and storage areas, designating independent and secure locations for them to prevent food contamination. It also called for storing food products in a manner that protects them from spoilage, adhering to appropriate temperature controls for chilled and frozen items, and ensuring the continuity of the cold chain during transport, storage, and display.
The ministry stressed that no expired, spoiled, rotten, or unfit food for human consumption should be displayed or sold. It mandated the isolation of expired or suspected products, preventing them from being kept among goods available for sale. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of adhering to approved standard specifications, packaging integrity, and the clarity of product labels, including production and expiration dates.
The ministry urged against repackaging or dividing food in ways that expose it to contamination, requiring that product details be clearly marked on small packages. It prohibited the trade of food products with unknown origins or those that do not match their commercial descriptions, emphasizing the necessity of retaining documents and invoices that verify the sources of food products.
The ministry confirmed that all personnel involved in food handling must hold valid health certificates, and any worker showing symptoms of illness must be barred from work to safeguard food safety and the health of shoppers at cooperative branches and markets.
Additionally, the ministry stressed compliance with approved technical and health standards for buildings, warehouses, and food transport vehicles, maintaining general cleanliness, and ensuring the hygiene of floors, surfaces, refrigerators, cutting tools, and packaging equipment. It also called for effective pest and rodent control and the safe and continuous disposal of waste.
The ministry clarified the need to obtain prior approval for trading products that require it, including dietary supplements, infant and child-specific foods, energy drinks, nutritional products, and food additives, reaffirming that consumer health is a priority.
It urged cooperative societies to retain valid inspection cards and allow inspectors from the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition to enter facilities, inspect food and records, and collect samples. It also mandated the implementation of decisions regarding the withdrawal, destruction, or suspension of the trade of non-compliant products.
