Suleiman Calls for Exerting Efforts to Implement Strict Food Safety Measures

President Michel Suleiman called on the competent security and judiciary authorities to exert efforts to implement stricter food safety measures, the National News Agency reported on Saturday.

“If security is a priority, then the citizens’ health and their right to eat safe food is sacred,” Suleiman said.

The president stressed that there will be strict measures against those who are meddling with the people’s health, noting that the competent authorities will not cover up for anyone regardless of their affiliations.

Suleiman demanded “strict control concerning this issue, beginning with imports, and food storage.”

The president held separate meetings with Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi and Consumer Protection Directorate, noting that authorities “will exert efforts to stop those who are violating and meddling with the citizens’ health.”

Head of the consumer protection directorate Zuhair Berro, who headed the delegation, said that the directorate will file a complaint against those who are responsible for the spoiled food.

The delegation suggested setting up a “national association” for food safety control.

Meanwhile, the NNA reported that large quantities of expired cheese were dumped on the main highway that links Tripoli to Zgharta.

Consumer Protection Directorate and security forces arrived swiftly at the scene.

Investigations are underway to know the source of the cheese boxes.

Recently, the Consumer Protection Directorate raided several warehouses in al-Fanar, Tarik el-Jadeedah, Beirut’s southern suburbs, Tyre and Marjayoun for selling spoiled meet and food product.

A number of spoiled meat, fish, and expired food were found dumped in various areas in Lebanon.

The seized products included poultry, meat, canned food, cheese and several other consumer products.