Two rat-infested food warehouses and one filled with expired produce have been shut down in Bahrain by health officials.

All three belonged to ‘major traders’, according to Health Ministry Food Control Section head Mohammed Al Haddaq, who refused to give further details of the warehouse locations or company names, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

However, he did confirm that the traders had been referred to the Public Prosecution.

“During our inspections we found two warehouses infested with rodents and one filled with expired food items,” Al Haddaq told the GDN.

“Both these violations were found in major traders’ storage areas where they stored raw materials and items such as nuts and sweets.

“We don’t want to reveal the names and as of now their licences have not been revoked.  

“But the outlets were immediately closed down and referred to the Public Prosecution.

“The ministry, in accordance with the law, will deal with the case and decide on the penalty.”

Al Haddaq said that the ministry’s Ramadan inspection campaign involved 36 health inspectors and seven supervisors.

“We chose this time for these random inspections, mainly because shops are closed during the day, helping us to conduct the checks,” he said.

“With the shops closed, we can increase the number of inspections without affecting business or the customers.

“Apart from this, there is an urgent need for such checks with items such as nuts and sweets in high demand, especially with daily Iftars and Gargaoun approaching.

“These items are often stored for a long time and sold as mixed ingredients, but they could be past their sell by date.

“So this is the best time for us to do our extensive checks of the large markets which provide various foodstuffs for Ramadan, especially if they do not usually sell ready-to-eat food.”

Al Haddaq warned the general public to be aware of expiry dates on items that might have sat around for a long time.

“People should make sure that they don’t ignore the expiry date, even for dry fruits or nuts,” he said.

“This is the time when people buy lots of sweets and nuts and they should be extra vigilant about sweets, as it is a commodity that is easily spoiled.”

The official also urged anyone spotting violations of food safety laws to call the ministry hotline on 39427743.

The GDN reported last week on the ministry’s warning about the dangers of buying food from unlicensed street vendors during Ramadan.

Health Ministry public health and primary care assistant under-secretary Dr Mariam Al Jalahma urged the public to report any cases of food poisoning, saying many roadside stalls neglected basic food safety. - TradeArabia News Service