Friday, 9 January 2015

Punish negligent port, airport officials: Lebanon health minister


BEIRUT: Health Minister Wael Faour Friday called on authorities to punish negligent officials at the Beirut airport as well as the ports of Beirut and Tripoli after reports revealed stark food safety violations.


The state-run National News Agency said the reports submitted to Abu Faour by the health inspectors showed serious violations as a result of a lack of adherence to the guidelines of safe storage and handling of food and other goods.


The NNA said Abu Faour urged the Central Inspection Department to task the relevant authorities to conduct urgent investigations and punish anyone found responsible for negligence at the three facilities.


Abu Faour launched a sweeping campaign against food corruption in mid-November, sparking a major food scandal that led to the closure of several slaughterhouses, including the capital’s main abattoir in the Karantina area.


Last month Abu Faour likened food storage warehouses at the Beirut airport to "dumps," noting that meat and fish were being stored alongside medicine and trash.


He revealed similar scenes during surprise visits to the Beirut and Tripoli ports last month and earlier this month. At the Beirut port, he said rats and pigeons were found in wheat silos. At the Tripoli port, he said sugar storage rooms were littered with garbage, dust and rats.




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