Food poisoning sees increase

KUWAIT CITY, May 7: The Ministry of Health is coordinating with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) to reduce cases of food poisoning and look for the source of such cases, their increase in the recent times after being exposed to food taken from some restaurants, reports Al-Anba daily.

Informed sources said investigations are underway between the two sides to find out the causes of poisoning, and PAFN is setting up mechanisms and procedures to tighten control over foodstuffs.

The sources indicated that the medical staff in the health facilities were directed to inform the PAFN coordinator in each health region whenever any cases of food poisoning are reported so that samples of the food can be taken to find out the source of poisoning and take disciplinary measures whatever the source in the best interest of the citizens and residents.

This is in addition to upgrading cooperation in the health area between the Ministry of Health and the Food and Nutrition Authority.

The sources revealed that the Ministry of Health has requested the speedy reporting of the incidents of suspected food poisoning, and called for sending environmental reports on the places where suspicious meals were prepared and their compliance with health requirements.

The sources stated that the Ministry of Health demanded the necessity of verifying the health status of food handlers, ensuring that they do not have any apparent diseases, and stressing on the need for ensuring health workers carry ‘FIT’ IDs while on duty.