Lebanon has announced plans to shut down several dairy factories in the country over food safety violations.
The move comes after several products, including labneh from six dairy factories in the country, failed to meet health safety standards as they were found to contain microbes, bacteria and acids which could cause possible risk for human health upon consumption.
Lebanon Economy Minister Alain Hakim was quoted by As Safir newspaper as saying: "These factories committed serious, first degree violations that directly affect the health of citizens as shown by tests and analyses."
Hakim also named the violating factories that include Laqlouq Labneh, Qaisar, Massabki, Center Jdeita, Shtaura Dairy products and Hawa Dairy.
Violations cited were presence of flies on the refrigerators of dairy products, open garbage bins in kitchens, workers not wearing gloves, and frying oil that was not changed for months.
Additionally, a new initiative against violating restaurants and institutions has been launched by Health Minister Wael Abou Faour.
Lebanese parliament's joint committees will form a subcommittee to draft a food safety law within two weeks that would stipulate the formation of a National Committee for Food Safety.
