Food Safety Authority Seizes 600 Kilograms of Spoiled Food Products in Ismailia

Dr. Walid Hassan, head of the Central Administration for Branch Affairs at the National Food Safety Authority, led an extensive inspection campaign in Ismailia as part of directives from Dr. Tarek El-Houby, President of the authority, to intensify market and food establishment oversight to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

The campaign included participation from Dr. Ahmed Fawzy, Director of the General Administration for Local Market Control, Dr. Hanem Salem, Director of the Ismailia branch, and Dr. Sherif Abdel Hamid, local market supervisor in the governorate. They were joined by several inspectors from the authority and collaborated with the Ismailia Directorate of Supply and Internal Trade under Mr. Magdy Abdel Karim.

Inspectors visited 27 food establishments engaged in the trading and manufacturing of food products across various areas within the governorate. This effort resulted in the seizure of approximately 600 kilograms of unfit food products, including processed meats, poultry cuts, cheeses, and fatty dairy products. These items were found to be expired or lacking proper labeling and identification data or showed signs of spoilage.

Legal actions were initiated against observed violations, resulting in nine reports filed for operating without health certificates and failing to meet health standards in some establishments. Additionally, one establishment was recommended for closure due to immediate risks threatening food safety and public health.

Furthermore, five destruction reports were issued for quantities of food unfit for human consumption that were confirmed expired or showing signs of spoilage, following protocols established by relevant authorities.

The authority urged food establishment operators to promptly complete registration procedures with the agency and adhere to approved health standards, allowing a grace period for compliance and necessary corrective measures to enhance facility efficiency and improve food safety levels.

Dr. Tarek El-Houby emphasized that the authority will continue its intensive inspection campaigns across various governorates in coordination with concerned entities as part of its regulatory role to protect consumer health and strengthen food safety systems. He also highlighted that strict legal measures will be enforced against any violations that could impact food safety or public health.

The President of the authority noted that these campaigns align with its strategy aimed at tightening market oversight and increasing adherence to health standards, contributing to providing safe and sound food for citizens while enhancing trust in Egypt’s food regulatory system.