Published Date: 2025-04-28 17:12:42 Updated At: 2025-04-28 17:12:42

The joint committee, which includes the National Food Safety Authority, the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Industrial Development Authority, issued a report regarding the reinspection of several food chains, such as "Belben" and "Karam Al-Sham," following violations that were detected in these establishments earlier. A set of measures has been identified to ensure the safety and quality of food in these chains.

The report clarified that in order to ensure food safety and public health, specialized committees from the mentioned authorities were formed to inspect these food chains. The purpose of these committees is to ensure that these establishments comply with all required health standards and that workers hold health certificates confirming their free status from infectious diseases and bacteria, in accordance with applicable laws. This also includes ensuring that the establishments follow the required cleaning and sanitizing protocols periodically.

The report highlighted that these inspections are part of ongoing efforts to monitor and guarantee the quality of food products in Egypt, especially in factories and establishments like "Belben" and "Karam Al-Sham," where violations were previously observed. The main objective of the inspection was to assess whether these chains meet health requirements and to ensure that issues identified in previous inspections were addressed.

The report confirmed that during these inspections, many facilities from the "Belben" and "Karam Al-Sham" chains, along with others, were visited. Observations were recorded using standardized checklists applied in every inspection. Corrective actions were taken immediately upon detecting any violations, with a clear emphasis on the importance of the establishment owners implementing all instructions and guidelines to ensure food safety and quality in the future.

Additionally, the report mentioned that as part of the ongoing follow-up, a meeting was held between the head of the National Food Safety Authority and representatives of the "Belben" and "Karam Al-Sham" chains, as well as other chains, to discuss the necessary measures to reopen their factories and branches. It was emphasized during the meeting that all previous violations had been corrected in all branches and factories, which would enable the safe resumption of production and distribution.

The meeting also addressed several key points, including the importance of clear labeling on food chain products, ensuring that product labels include the factory name, address, and phone number to facilitate communication with citizens and consumers. The need to inspect the "Belben" factories in Kafr El-Dawar and Abis, as well as the "Karam Al-Sham" factory in Borg El Arab, on April 28, during the start of trial production after the halt, was also emphasized.

Regarding the branches that have completed corrective actions, it was agreed that the sale and distribution of products in these branches would resume according to the new standards that have been applied. Several branches were identified as meeting these conditions to resume commercial activity, including 15 branches of the "Belben" chain in various regions, in addition to 5 other branches in Alexandria Governorate. Additional branches for brands such as "Bahi," "Wahmi," "Am Shaltet," and "Kunafa and Basbousa" were also identified to return to operation.

Furthermore, it was agreed to take all preventive measures to avoid any accidental contamination in the factories, such as training workers on good health practices for handling food, cleaning, and disinfecting facilities and equipment. Swabs of all surfaces and equipment will also be conducted to ensure they are free from harmful microbes.

At the end of the meeting, it was confirmed that activities would resume gradually according to the readiness of each branch and factory to resume work according to the new standards. Continued monitoring and follow-up by the committee's inspectors will ensure full compliance with all health and technical requirements.

It is worth noting that this report reflects the ongoing efforts of the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of safe food to the public and protect their health from any risks that may arise from violations or food contamination in the markets.