Curbs on sales of fruit and veg, livestock exports

KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Aiban issued a decision on Monday to prohibit the retail sale of vegetables and fruits at the Al-Farda wholesale market and cooperative societies in small packages, effective from Feb 1. The decision aims to control prices, reduce manipulation, combat fraud

related to the country of origin and weight and prevent the sale of substandard items in packages.

The decision prohibits all sellers of vegetables and fruits from retailing in small packages in vegetable markets in designated areas, including Sulaibiya, Ardiya and Andalus, cooperative societies and other markets specified by the ministry. It also bans auctions of small packages after being fragmented from large ones, as well as the sale and marketing of underdeveloped, damaged or rotten produce.

Moreover, the decision mandates clear labeling of weight, country of origin and supplier information on the packaging of vegetables and fruits sold in all markets of Kuwait. It prohibits any changes to the country of origin or source of goods received for any reason. Retailers must use scales during sales, and the retail price per kilo should not exceed the price by package or box. Additionally, retailers are prohibited from artificially raising prices through methods such as hoarding, hiding quantities or spreading false news.

The ministry will prepare a fixed form displaying product details, auction results and consumer prices in cooperative societies on a daily basis. The sale of imported vegetables and fruits is allowed if they remain in their original condition, and legal measures will be taken against any violations of this decision. The decision aims to ensure transparency, prevent manipulation and protect consumers, with penalties for non-compliance.

On another note, Head of the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies Musab Al-Mulla announced a new initiative to empower citizens in monitoring prices at cooperative societies for essential goods, vegetables and fruits. This involves integrating the initiative into the Sahel app, allowing consumers to track and compare prices across different cooperative societies. The goal is to ensure consistency and uniformity in pricing.

Once implemented, consumers can access and compare prices at their respective cooperative societies through the app. The idea is rooted in the social responsibility of the union and aims to prioritize the well-being of contributing citizens. Mulla emphasized that this approach would eliminate price variations, making prices almost standardized. This initiative encourages private entities, including price monitors in the union, cooperative societies, and inspectors of social affairs, to monitor and ensure that prices are not raised.

He highlighted the union’s commitment to presenting various ideas and proposals for the benefit of citizens. These suggestions will be submitted to relevant authorities for practical implementation, with the overarching goal of providing the best prices and services for contributors and the general public.

Regarding minister Aiban’s decision to ban the retail sale of vegetables and fruits in small packages in cooperative societies, Mulla clarified that there was a meeting involving officials from the ministries of commerce and social affairs and the union to discuss and support such proposals. He urged everyone to adhere to and implement the issued decisions.

Meanwhile, Aiban is set to issue a decision prohibiting the export of livestock from Kuwait to other countries. Citing responsible sources, the decision will apply to both imported and locally sourced livestock. This precautionary measure aims to stabilize the local market for this essential commodity in response to developments in the Red Sea region.

The sources suggest that the decision may not specify a fixed duration for the export ban. Instead, it is likely to be contingent upon the ministry’s assessment of the livestock market’s stability, price moderation and assurance that Kuwait’s supply of this critical commodity remains unaffected by events in the Red Sea.

Highlighting the context, the sources noted that in December of the previous year, Kuwait imported approximately 95,000 head of live livestock. Notably, Kuwait’s annual sheep requirements alone are around one million head, along with approximately 12,000 head of calves. While the current imported livestock is deemed sufficient to meet local demand and even allow for export, the decision to halt exports at present is motivated by a commitment to preserving food security. — Agencies