The Syndicate of Food Importers, headed by Hani Bohsali, issued a statement sounding the alarm, warning of the increasing pace of smuggled foodstuffs entering Lebanon, which endangers the health of citizens and the national economy at the same time.
In its statement, the union considered that “the information circulating, which has become with the concerned official authorities, regarding the entry of large quantities of smuggled foodstuffs into Lebanon, the source is unknown, cannot be tolerated, especially since the entry of these materials is carried out without conducting the required laboratory tests to ensure their safety and compliance with specifications.” Lebanese food, which means placing foodstuffs at the disposal of citizens of unknown source, quality, materials and their safety, which inevitably leads to exposing the citizen’s health to serious risks.
The syndicate considered that “this issue is very dangerous, especially in light of the severe economic and living crisis that Lebanon is suffering from, which forces citizens to search for alternative food commodities at cheap prices.”
As the union announced that it would not remain silent on the issue, “which will be the focus of vigorous follow-up by the concerned officials”, it demanded not to increase the customs dollar on foodstuffs, in order to prevent an increase in the living burdens on citizens, as well as to prevent an increase in smuggling in a very large way, and the aggravation of this problem and its health and economic repercussions .
