FAO Experts Assess Beirut Slaughterhouse as Security Forces Arrest 3 for Selling Spoiled Chicken

Experts from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization inspected on Tuesday the Beirut slaughterhouse to assess the situation at the facility in light of its closure in November.

The team of three international experts, accompanied by Agriculture Minister Akram Shehayyeb, toured the abattoir ahead of making the necessary recommendations to ensure that it meets the necessary modern and food safety standards.

A report is expected to be issued within two weeks.

Health Minister Wael Abou Faour had ordered the closure of the slaughterhouse in November due to the poor health and safety standards there.

He revealed that a number of its workers are suffering or passed away from diseases caused from exposure to the poor conditions at the establishment.

He said that 18 to 19 workers died of cancer due to the poor hygiene at the facility.

The minister demanded that the judiciary tackle the case, while calling for a forensic investigation in the matter.

Abou Faour launched in late 2014 a campaign against institutions that have violated food safety standards.

His campaign has so far led to the closure of slaughterhouses, restaurants, dairy factories and other institutions.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Internal Security Forces announced the arrest of three suspects in Beirut's Tariq al-Jedideh neighborhood for selling spoiled food to restaurants.

It said in a statement that a man and his two sons were storing spoiled chicken at their residence and later selling them to restaurants.

Security forces raided their home and seized 250 kgs of chicken and two vehicles that were used to distribute the product.

Also on Tuesday, security forces in the Bar Elias region in the eastern Bekaa raided a warehouse where olive oil was being mixed with sunflower oil.

M.T.

Y.R.