Social Affairs Ministry, PAFN step up joint inspections of cooperative societies
Food safety inspections target food storage, spoilage
The Ministry of Social Affairs and the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition are continuing joint and random inspection campaigns at cooperative societies to ensure compliance with regulations, laws and health requirements and safeguard consumer safety and shareholders’ funds.
The latest inspection was carried out at Qadsiya Cooperative Society by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr. Sayed Issa and Director General of Inspection and Control Affairs at the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition Dr. Saud Al-Jalal.
The inspection covered the cooperative’s warehouses, food storage and preservation areas, as well as sections designated for spoiled and returned goods. Inspectors reviewed procedures for receiving and distributing food supplies and the handling and storage of products.
Issa said the tour was part of an ongoing oversight program and noted that Al-Qadisiyah Cooperative Society was selected randomly. Similar inspections will be conducted in other areas in the coming period.
He said the Ministry’s oversight covers financial and administrative matters, employment, procurement, sales and strategic reserves, while its electronic link with cooperative societies provides access to relevant data and reports to facilitate monitoring and response.
Issa added that the Ministry also relies on reports, complaints and inspectors’ findings to establish audit committees when necessary to investigate irregularities and take appropriate legal action.
He stressed that serious financial and administrative violations would not go unpunished, with measures potentially including the dismissal or dissolution of boards of directors and the appointment of new boards to correct the cooperative’s operations.
He also stressed that cooperative societies are not merely retail outlets but economic and social institutions serving shareholders and residents, adding that the current phase requires firmness in enforcing the law.
Issa said the Ministry is working to strengthen governance and update procedures in line with regulatory requirements. He referred to Regulation No. 196 of 2026 governing cooperative societies, which will be implemented after completion of the electronic platform.
Al-Jalal said the inspection reflected continued cooperation between the Food Authority and the Ministry of Social Affairs to strengthen oversight of food products sold at cooperative societies.
He said inspectors examined storage and preservation procedures and the spoiled-goods area to ensure unfit or damaged products were separated from other goods and that food safety requirements were observed.
The inspection resulted in several observations, which the cooperative’s management was instructed to address. Al-Jalal said the Authority would follow up on the corrective measures and compliance with health requirements.
He added th
