Authorities seize tons of expired goods, close businesses in Sulaymaniyah

SULAIMANIYAH — Authorities in Sulaymaniyah confiscated nearly 15 tons of expired goods and shut down 16 businesses last month for repeated violations of health and safety regulations, the district administration said Wednesday.

According to a statement released by the administration, over 14 tons of expired food and other items were confiscated and destroyed during January. Businesses found in violation of health, safety, and veterinary guidelines were fined a total of 52,250,000 Iraqi dinars ($34,761).

Inspection teams from the district conducted 6,276 visits to public establishments, issuing 154 warnings and recording 376 violations. “No legal cases were filed, but 16 commercial and public establishments were shut down. Those that were penalized had previously been warned by joint inspection committees and were closed due to repeated violations and noncompliance,” the statement read.

This crackdown on spoiled or expired items is part of an ongoing effort by authorities in the region. In November, officials in Sulaymaniyah destroyed 17 tons of expired food and detergents, shut down 29 shops and establishments, and imposed financial penalties totaling 40,325,000 IQD ($26,840) on violators.

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