Food control teams from the Qalyubia Health Directorate seized one ton of sunflower seeds containing an artificial coloring that is not authorized for use in food products.
The quantity was discovered inside an unlicensed food packaging factory during a surprise inspection campaign targeting several food establishments across the governorate.
The campaign was part of intensified efforts to monitor markets and food facilities and ensure compliance with health requirements and regulations governing food production and handling.
Samples Taken for Laboratory Testing
The inspection campaign was carried out under the directives of Dr. Ishaq Jamil Ishaq, Undersecretary of the Qalyubia Health Directorate, and Dr. Osama Abu Amer, Director General of Preventive Medicine.
The inspection teams coordinated with Dr. Mohamed Ali, Director of the Food Control Department, and Mohamed Sobhy, General Food Control Supervisor in Qalyubia.
The campaign also involved food inspectors Ragab Nasr and Mahmoud Saber, who participated in inspections of several food establishments.
Samples Sent for Examination
The inspection resulted in the seizure of one ton of sunflower seeds containing an unauthorized artificial coloring.
The seized products were placed under custody, while random samples were collected and sent to the central laboratories in Banha affiliated with the Ministry of Health.
The laboratory examinations are intended to determine whether the products comply with health requirements and whether they are suitable for human consumption.
Violations Recorded Against the Factory
The inspection committee prepared a report against the factory for failing to meet the required health standards.
Reports were also issued against workers at the facility for handling food without carrying health certificates confirming that they were free from infectious and skin diseases, in violation of regulations governing work in food establishments.
Recommendation to Close the Factory
The committee recommended closing the factory because it was operating without a license and had failed to meet the health requirements necessary for manufacturing and packaging food products.
The relevant legal procedures were initiated over the violations detected during the inspection, with the case referred to the Public Prosecution for the necessary legal action.
Continued Food Safety Inspections
The Qalyubia Health Directorate confirmed that intensive inspection campaigns targeting markets and food establishments will continue across the governorate.
The directorate said immediate action would be taken against violations that could affect food safety or public health, along with the necessary legal measures against those responsible.
Citizens were also urged to cooperate with regulatory authorities and report any violations or complaints related to food safety, supporting the food monitoring system and efforts to protect public health.
What was seized in Qalyubia?
Inspectors seized one ton of sunflower seeds containing an artificial coloring that is not authorized for use in food products.
Where were the products found?
They were found inside an unlicensed food packaging factory in Qalyubia.
What happened to the seized samples?
Random samples were collected and sent to central laboratories in Banha for testing and analysis.
Why was the factory recommended for closure?
The factory was operating without a license and did not meet the required health standards for food manufacturing and packaging.
What legal action was taken?
The inspection committee prepared the necessary reports and initiated legal procedures, with the case referred to the Public Prosecution.
