Kuwait city: Several municipalities announced that they have stepped up their readiness for the holy month of Ramadan through conducting surveillance inspections on food enterprises nationwide. They confirmed that the objective is to ensure food safety and protect the well-being of both citizens and residents, as well as keep up with the tremendous increases in consumption during this holy month by ramping up inspections on all food and service facilities, including restaurants, kitchens, butcheries, shopping centers, and markets, in addition to Ramadan tents and recreational areas, to ensure the provision of safe and healthy food for those who are fasting.
According to Qatar News Agency, the inspections are part of the strategy to enhance field readiness for municipalities and augment the efficiency of inspection teams while constantly receiving complaints from the public and handling them accordingly through operating around the clock. This also includes conducting awareness programs for operators and consumers to strengthen adherence to hygienic criteria throughout Ramadan, as underlined by the Ministry of Municipality.
Doha Municipality has increased its surveillance efforts on all food and health enterprises by conducting nearly 10,000 inspection rounds during Ramadan. They have taken 298 food samples for analysis at the government laboratory and are prepared to take legal action against violators. The municipality is also intensifying awareness efforts and dealing immediately with complaints, explained Hamad Sultan Al Shahwani, Director of the Control Department, emphasizing compliance with the Minister's Decision No. (8) of 1990 on regulating human food surveillance.
Hamad Sultan Al Shahwani noted that emergency and complaint task forces are operational around the clock, taking corrective and legal measures instantly against violators. Violations can result in administrative shutdowns ranging from one day to two months, depending on the type and hazard level of the infraction. Awareness programs for facility owners, workers, and consumers are being held through workshops and educational brochures, promoting food safety and public health during Ramadan.
Al Shahaniya Municipality is implementing a combined surveillance plan, increasing regulatory and surprise inspections of food facilities and Ramadan tents. They have increased the number of veterinarians at the Al Shahaniya slaughterhouse, collecting and analyzing 30 to 40 samples daily. Majed Burhan Al Zaidan, Director of the Municipal Control Department, clarified that the objective is to provide safe food throughout the year, with a special focus during Ramadan.
Al Zaidan highlighted that inspections are divided into three phases: the first ten days target hypermarkets and frying shops; the middle ten days, during Garangao preparations, focus on confectionery shops; and the final ten days target bakeries and traditional kitchens before Eid Al-Fitr. The municipality is staffing local slaughterhouses with more veterinarians, extending hours, and ensuring compliance through inspections and laboratory testing.
Umm Salal Municipality has developed an inspection plan that includes intensified daily inspections, sampling, and laboratory testing. They monitor cold chains, storage, and transportation, implement Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP systems, and enforce regulations while conducting public education programs. The plan involves supervising the central fish market, monitoring cleanliness, and ensuring compliance through expanded sampling and laboratory analysis.
Al Daayen Municipality's plan includes a pre-Ramadan preparatory phase with preemptive inspections and inventory of food licenses, followed by intensified inspections during Ramadan. Al Wakrah Municipality conducts morning and evening inspections and strengthens monitoring of Ramadan tents and shops. Al Khor and Al Dhakira Municipality focus on field inspections and veterinary oversight, dividing food establishments into surveillance zones.
Al Shamal Municipality emphasizes intensive inspection campaigns, coordinating with slaughterhouses, extending work hours, and maintaining a continuous presence of inspectors. Al Rayyan Municipality deploys inspectors in shifts to enhance market oversight and conduct ongoing education programs.
The Ministry of Municipality reaffirms its full commitment to implementing these plans to the highest professional standards, ensuring food safety and public health, and providing a secure environment during Ramadan.