Food Authority seizes 3 illegal food establishments operating from private residences
The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Negative Phenomena Committee in Al-Ahmadi Governorate, conducted an inspection campaign that resulted in the seizure of three food establishments operated from private residences and exploited for the illegal sale and distribution of food products. This action is part of the Authority’s intensive efforts to ensure food safety and protect public health.
The campaign led to the issuance of eight violation reports, citing illegal food trading, handling food in unhygienic conditions, employing workers without health certificates, and failure to comply with general health requirements. Legal measures were taken against the violators.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its supervisory efforts in collaboration with relevant authorities to combat non-compliant practices, safeguarding the health and safety of consumers.
Relevant authorities conducted extensive inspection campaigns targeting several food establishments operated without licenses within private residential homes. These campaigns uncovered numerous serious violations and led to the destruction of large quantities of food products that did not meet standard specifications.
In detail, the raids and surveillance were carried out based on precise joint investigations by the Negative Phenomena Committee and the Ministry of Interior, with the participation of several related entities, including the Ministry of Electricity and Water. These investigations led to the identification and closure of more than four main sites used as warehouses and bases for manufacturing and packaging food products in poor environmental and health conditions.
Mohammed Al-Azmi, Assistant Food Supervisor, clarified that the most prominent violations identified during the inspections included:
- Operation of unlicensed establishments: Running food factories and warehouses within private residential units, in violation of regulations and laws.
- Lack of health certificates for workers: Absence of valid health certificates proving that employees are free from diseases and qualified to handle food.
- Poor storage and packaging conditions: Re-packaging food products in unhygienic ways, and the presence of expired and non-compliant products against approved standards.
- Residential and labor violations: Identification of unlicensed workers and an excessive number of pigeons exceeding the capacity of certain establishments, without meeting basic health and safety requirements.
The operations resulted in the destruction of large quantities of various food products found to be spoiled and contaminated due to improper storage and handling. Competent authorities took the necessary legal measures, which included the complete closure of the violating sites, issuing official reports against the violators, and transferring all case files to judicial and competent authorities for appropriate legal action.
Participating authorities in the campaign emphasized their continued strict field supervision to deter anyone attempting to tamper with the health and safety of consumers, urging citizens and residents to report any suspicious commercial activities or food violations to ensure a safe environment free from health risks.
