Despite the foot-and-mouth outbreak, demand for beef in Kuwait is still high
The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has reassured the public that it continues to control the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) on local farms. The public is assured that consuming beef does not pose a risk to human health.
A visit to the Shuwaikh Industrial Area's meat market revealed that beef sales are continuing without interruption. Butcher shop officials confirmed that there has been no significant change in the sales of beef, even amidst reports of FMD cases in certain farms.
Several consumers at the market expressed their confidence in the safety of Kuwaiti beef. Hamoud Al-Enezi, a local citizen, mentioned that the outbreak of FMD is not unique to Kuwait, and such incidents are common in countries that raise livestock. “There is no reason to panic, as the responsible authorities are taking proper action to protect public health,” he emphasized.
Despite concerns, butchers like Alaa Sadiq confirmed that beef sales remain strong, with no noticeable drop in demand. “Kuwaiti beef is preferred by both locals and expatriates for its freshness and quality,” Sadiq stated. Other butchers, such as Khaled Al-Sheikh Ali and Baroudi Abdullatif, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the disease's impact on meat sales has been minimal. “The regulatory authorities are ensuring that only safe, high-quality meat is available to consumers,” said Abdullatif.
Butcher shop managers, such as Tariq Abu Jabal and Adel Imam, also reassured that they continue to sell high-quality meat. “We are confident in the safety of the meat provided by the authorities, as the FMD cases are confined to a few farms,” said Abu Jabal. Both butchers and consumers emphasized their ongoing trust in the regulatory measures and the assurance that the outbreak will not affect the quality of meat in the market.
The Kuwaiti meat market continues to operate normally, with both consumers and butchers maintaining a positive outlook. The PAAAFR’s proactive efforts in controlling FMD and ensuring the safety of beef products have helped mitigate concerns about the outbreak. Consumers can feel confident in their meat purchases, knowing that the disease poses no risk to human health.