No Plan To Ban Food Items Entering Kuwait Due To Cholera Outbreak In Lebanon

Kuwaiti authorities remain alert as cholera spreads in Lebanon, killing a number of people. However, they assure that there are no plans to stop flights between Kuwait and Lebanon or ban food supplies from Lebanon, according to reliable sources from the health sector cited by Al-Qabas daily.

According to sources, there was no directive issued by the local health authorities to stop or suspend the import of vegetables and fruits from Lebanon, indicating that the ministry is keen on taking preventive measures and dealing with any cholera cases in the Lebanese State or elsewhere.

Sources indicated that teams in the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) work round the clock to ensure food safety and security, and enhance community nutrition, by applying policies, regulations and an effective control system in accordance with international standards and specifications.

Sources added that “all shipments of vegetables and fruits from abroad are seized upon arrival in Kuwait to take samples which are sent to the laboratory for tests. Once the test results show the items are fit for human consumption, they are released for distribution on the condition that a certificate affirming they are free of pesticide residues is attached.”

“In addition to tests in the laboratories of the Ministry of Health and PAFN, there is thorough inspection of all food shipments entering the country through land, air and sea ports — whether they are from Lebanon or elsewhere,” sources added. Sources also stressed the “importance of taking precautions in all cases by washing vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating in order to protect public health.” Sources affirmed the strict periodic inspection and control of food products and crops from abroad to ensure safety.

According to PAFN's Twitter account, its inspection departments conducted inspection campaigns in several governorates, which led to the closure of three food establishments, issuing citations for various violations in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, discovering 14 violations in Hawally Governorate, and closing a food facility.

 

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