ShareKUWAIT: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) has officially launched Kuwait’s first-ever mobile food testing laboratory at Kuwait International Airport on Sunday.
Dr Reem Ghazi Al-Fulaij, Chairperson and Director General of PAFN, stated that the lab is designed to enhance the efficiency of food inspections, ensuring that imported products meet safety and quality standards—particularly perishable goods transported by air.
According to Amal Al-Matrook, Head of Technical Equipment and Warehousing at PAFN, the lab is initially focused on testing fruits and vegetables, with plans to gradually expand to include meat, eggs, honey, and other food products. By stationing the lab at the airport, Al-Fulaij emphasized that PAFN has streamlined the inspection process. Operating 24/7, the lab will help prevent backlogs at the airport and alleviate pressure on the Ministry of Health’s central food testing laboratories.
The concept of mobile food laboratories has been in the works since at least 2017. However, Al-Fulaij noted that the implementation of the mobile lab faced significant challenges, particularly delays in equipment procurement due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. She expressed pride in the project’s successful launch, attributing it to the dedication of Kuwaiti professionals who worked tirelessly to bring the initiative to fruition.
180,000 food items
The launch of the mobile food testing lab aligns with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the nation’s broader development strategy. According to the plan published on the New Kuwait website, the mobile lab is expected to conduct three essential tests not currently performed by other government bodies, ensuring that food products are free from viral, chemical, and radioactive contaminants.
The project is expected to process up to 180,000 imported perishable food items annually. With its rapid testing capabilities, the mobile lab will play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of foodborne illnesses by detecting contaminants before food products reach consumers. Equipped with cutting-edge analytical devices, the mobile lab delivers highly accurate and reliable results that meet the standards of traditional laboratories. The lab will also issue internationally recognized test certificates compliant with ISO 17025 standards.
The lab can be relocated to strategic locations or emergency sites as needed. Al-Matrook emphasized that the lab’s flexibility enables it to be deployed at major events, such as sports venues, where it can inspect food vendors in real time and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The laboratory is seamlessly integrated with the Raqeb electronic platform, enabling importers to track their food samples from collection to final approval. Al-Fulaij commented that PAFN’s food import regulations are publicly available on its website, ensuring transparency for importers and consumers alike. She explained that importers also have the right to request a retest if their food sample fails the initial inspection. If a second test also returns a negative result, they are given the option to re-export or destroy the goods.
Given that Kuwait imports approximately 95 percent of its food supply, as highlighted in the GCC Report 2022 by Kamco Invest, the implementation of efficient and accurate food testing procedures is a national priority. “With this mobile lab, we are not just improving performance but also ensuring the optimal use of resources,” Dr Al-Fulaij added.
