A recent government report said that more than 151 tons of expired foodstuff have been confiscated from local markets. The confiscated stuff included flour, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit, oil, sweets, jam, tea, yogurt, coffee and spices.

The report by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs said that inspection teams confiscated 34,858 liters of dairy products, fruit juices and drinks, 30,411 cans of meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, as well as 18,637 eggs in the past couple of months.

Authorities have ordered those selling foodstuff in stores and markets to ensure the products that have proper validity dates.

Consumers have pointed out that commercial centers and central food stores tend to put up tempting offers on products which are approaching sell-by dates.

The ministry said it is responsible for providing hygienic food to protect consumers from serious health hazards. To achieve this, it has deployed a number of food inspectors.

The ministry also oversees the implementation of health monitoring policies in the process of food production. The focus on health is the same for large and small foodstuff facilities.

Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Prince Mansour bin Miteb has approved a comprehensive consultative program to activate health monitoring mechanisms and measure the effectiveness of supervisory performance in the public health and food safety sectors.

Municipalities and secretariats have been asked to unify the procedures necessary for the monitoring and implementation of well-defined health regulations at all food stores and public health facilities.

These facilities are obliged to observe the rules and regulations in their buildings and abide by public and personal hygiene conditions. They should also have health certificates that state they are free from infectious diseases. In addition, facilities should apply hygienic methods in all stages of preparing and marketing foodstuff.