20-07-2025
Improper storage, labeling land Kuwait cooperatives in trouble
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: The committee tasked to follow up on the implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. 31/2025 conducted a field inspection tour with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In a press statement, Committee Chairman and Cooperative Supervisor Yousef Al-Jafour revealed that the inspection of cooperatives in Farwaniya and Hawally governorates resulted in the issuance of several judicial seizure orders against cooperatives proven to have violated the resolution, particularly Article Eight, which is related to cleanliness and quality. He said the violations include poor storage of agricultural products that led to spoilage and the formation of molds, in addition to improper display methods and the failure to replenish goods regularly. He affirmed that the confiscated items will be referred to the Investigations Department at the Ministry of Interior, and then to the Misdemeanor Judge, indicating the fine may reach KD500. He stressed the need to put labels showing the country of origin, weight, and price to avoid violations.
He explained that Law No. 24/1979, amended by Law No. 118/2013, grants the Ministry of Social Affairs the authority to monitor the work of cooperatives. He stated that 'Ministerial Resolution No. 46T/2021 stipulates gradual progression of penalties, ranging from a warning to the suspension of transactions and the labor file at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM).' He also disclosed that intensive monitoring, since the issuance of Administrative Resolution No. 1650/2025 on supporting the promotion of local products, resulted in a decline in violations and an increase in the percentage of local vegetable purchases from 46 percent in June 2024 to more than 70 percent at present. He added the ministry is studying a new mechanism to enhance the prioritization of local products in cooperatives, as per the directive of Assistant Undersecretary for Financial, Administrative and Cooperative Affairs Dr. Sayed Issa.
