LOC17:32
14:32 GMT
KUWAIT, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Health Minsiter Dr. Jamal Al-Harbi denied Saturday recent rumors on the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) releasing imported Egyptian agricultural products without being checked by the supreme committee for food safety.
The ministry will not release these products unless receiving health and pesticide-free certificates by laboratories, and after a three-month period of intense observation on the products, Al-Harbi told reporters.
The ministry is currently investigating the companies that imported these agricultural products, he noted, adding that necessary procedures with them will soon be carried out.
Meanwhile, the minister mentioned that the supreme committee for food safety includes memberships of a number of major state bodies such as foreign, commerce, and health ministries.
It also includes memberships of Kuwait Municipality, Public Authority for Industry, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Environment Public Authority, Kuwait General Administration of Customs, and the Union of Kuwaiti Food Traders and Manufacturers.
The committee aims to establish health requirements for food in order to protect food security and preserve public health through securing food products valid for human consumption, said Al-Harbi.
He also indicated that the committee has not made any amendments to the current requirements regarding some Egyptian agricultural products. (end)
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