Nahhas Says Food Safety Violators Will be Tried

Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas revealed on Thursday that those detained for violating the “food safety” measures will be tried.

“We are seeking to tighten the penalties against them, through extending their imprisonment term and raising the fines,” Nahhas told voice of Lebanon radio (93.3).

He said the meeting held by top officials on Wednesday at the Grand Serail took several measures against the violators.

“What we agreed on would be implemented by reinforcing the employees’ abilities at the concerned ministries, and by surveying all the food warehouses and organizing them, in addition to checking the licenses,” Nahhas stressed.

He warned those who are violating the law, saying: “We will prevent them by the force of law and through the regulatory mechanism” from committing more violations.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Najib Miqati headed a meeting at the Grand Serail to set an effective mechanism to follow-up the issue in the presences of Nahhas, Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi, Agriculture Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan, Finance Minister Mohammed al-Safadi, Information Minister Walid al-Daouq and high-ranking officials from the general security, the state security, the army intelligence and the customs.

Nahhas and Hajj Hassan held a press conference at the end of the meeting.

The two stressed that the issue is a priority, calling on people not to exaggerate as the crisis will be resolved.

They noted that a new draft law on “food safety” will be proposed to the Cabinet in two weeks.

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.

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

The Internal Security Forces detained at least eight people for food safety violations in separate raids.