Kuwait's municipal clearance of 'spoilt' meat upsets PM

THE Kuwait city government has been charged with issuing "temporary releases" of consignments of reportedly spoilt meat from abroad as a favour to some companies and influential people, reliable sources told Al-Watan Arabic daily.

Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah reportedly ordered ministers to reveal facts and punish those responsible and draw up a "blacklist of companies involved with the practice," reported the Arab Times.

Clearance officers handle all procedures related to releasing imported foodstuffs. "Some unscrupulous customs brokers manipulate and grant temporary releases without carrying out all clearance procedures," sources told Al-Watan Arabic daily.

But Public Ports Authority (PPA) director Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ali said all containers coming from abroad are checked and released only after they fulfil all the requirements.

He added that PPA, in coordination with Kuwait Municipality and Customs General Administration, follow all steps as safety and health of citizens and residents is a top priority.

The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources' (PAAAFR) quarantine director, Salah Al-Mousa, said all animals and frozen meat are stringently checked to ensure that they are suitable for human consumption.

But the prime minister met with Public Works Minister Fadhil Safar and Commerce and Industry Minister Ahmed Al-Haroun, reports Al-Shahed daily, to discuss spoiled meat and various kinds of expired foodstuffs said to have been allowed into the country with the knowledge of senior officials.
(Source:www.schednet.com)