PAFN seizes and destroys non-compliant food in major inspection drive
Kuwait strengthens food safety shield as PAFN lab processes 1,200 samples daily
- Advanced national food testing hub: The Central Food Testing Laboratory in Shuwaikh is described as one of the most advanced food safety facilities in the region
- High-volume, high-tech inspection system: The laboratory processes around 1,200 food samples daily from across Kuwait and border points, using digital tracking, barcode systems, and advanced testing technologies
- Integrated enforcement and health protection system: Alongside laboratory testing, authorities conduct nationwide inspections, seize and destroy unsafe food products, and coordinate with the Ministry of Health to monitor disease risks and strengthen public health protection
The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition says, its Central Food Testing Laboratory in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area stands among the most advanced food control facilities in the region when it comes to food safety for the benefit of consumers.
In a statement, the Authority said the laboratory operates as a frontline defense in Kuwait’s food safety system, processing around 1,200 food samples daily.
These samples are collected from border checkpoints, local markets, and domestic production facilities, and are analyzed using advanced technologies and integrated digital systems to ensure speed, precision, and reliability in results.
Rahaf Abdullah, Head of the Special Analysis Section at the Food Laboratories Department, explained that samples are received from all six governorates as well as all entry points into Kuwait.
Each sample is systematically registered through a dedicated laboratory management system and tracked using barcode technology, ensuring full traceability from receipt to storage and analysis.
She added that the laboratory is structured into highly specialized units, including microbiology, chemical analysis, and special testing divisions.
The chemistry department plays a critical role in identifying and measuring chemical components in food products to verify compliance with safety standards and suitability for human consumption. This integrated framework forms a key pillar of Kuwait’s food security and consumer protection strategy.
Eng. Amal Al-Matrouk, Director of the Food Laboratories Department, noted that microbiological testing is central to safeguarding public health. The laboratories are responsible for detecting harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in food products, ensuring that all items placed in the market meet strict safety and regulatory standards before reaching consumers.
She emphasized that testing procedures follow stringent protocols to confirm whether food products are free from microbial contamination, with decisions based on the presence or absence of harmful organisms in accordance with approved regulations.
In parallel with laboratory operations, PAFN continues its intensive field inspection campaigns across the country. These inspections have led to the seizure and destruction of adulterated and unidentified food products, as well as items found to be non-compliant with approved specifications. Legal citations and health compliance undertakings have been issued against violators.
The Authority also confirmed that coordination efforts are ongoing with the Ministry of Health through a joint meeting held at the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in disease outbreak investigation, monitoring, and control mechanisms.
Through these combined laboratory, inspection, and inter-agency efforts, Kuwait continues to reinforce its national food safety framework, ensuring stronger protection of public health and higher standards of food quality across the supply chain.
