The number of poisoning cases has increased since the beginning of summer!

This summer has seen 51 recorded poisoning incidents, coinciding with a rise in food poisoning cases. It appears that this number may continue to grow due to the increasing complaints directed at the relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Health, which is currently focused on monitoring infected cases and carrying out laboratory tests. According to Joyce Haddad, the Director of Health Prevention at the Ministry of Health, these 51 incidents do not translate to 51 individuals harmed, as a single incident can involve anywhere from one to over 100 affected individuals. The ministry prioritizes the classification of incidents over the individual counts of injuries, as Haddad stated, “it is not possible to determine the exact number of cases with food poisoning.” She noted that the largest incident reported to the ministry thus far involved 12 people.

The reasons for the surge in cases remain unchanged, particularly regarding the power disruptions and the recent crisis that weakened the food safety system. Dr. Zuhair Brou, the head of the Consumer Protection Association, identifies three primary contributing factors. The first is the food safety law, passed nine years ago, whose regulatory decrees have been put on hold due to disagreements over “quotas.” The second factor relates to the economic crisis, which has led to compromised food products and raw materials, as “cheapness has become the prevailing attribute. Many merchants are focused on profits by importing less expensive products under new alternative names, while consumers seek cheaper options due to the economic climate,” alongside the avarice of merchants who recycle spoiled foods, such as “toast” that is remade from stale bread. The third factor is the electricity crisis that results in the spoiling of numerous raw materials and food items. Thus, most of the current cases are attributed to inadequate refrigeration in homes, restaurants, and other places. Additionally, the weather plays a role, with Brou indicating that summer appears “hotter” this year, with temperatures rising by 3 to 4 degrees above normal. Since the food chain is interconnected, “any disruption in one area can impact food safety.”

Food Safety Law: The Crisis in Article 22
The most critical aspect of the Food Safety Law, enacted in November 2015, is Article 22, which mandates the establishment of a National Food Safety Authority responsible for overseeing this issue. However, despite its significance, members of this authority have not yet been appointed. One of the obstacles to implementing Article 22 is the reluctance of ministries involved in food safety (health, economy, agriculture, interior, etc.) to relinquish powers. According to relevant sources, this reluctance signifies “a decrease in the share of each ministry, as individuals within these ministries are hesitant to surrender their protected merchants to a single entity, particularly since political quotas typically mean that every politician has their own merchants to shield within their ministry.”

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    <meta itemprop="headline" content="Rising Food Poisoning Cases: An Urgent Look at Food Safety Challenges" />
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    <h1 itemprop="name">Rising Food Poisoning Cases: An Urgent Look at Food Safety Challenges</h1>

    <p itemprop="articleBody">This summer, a concerning rise in food poisoning incidents was recorded, with 51 cases reported by health authorities. The increase has drawn attention to the pressing need for a robust food safety infrastructure. According to Joyce Haddad, the Director of Health Prevention at the Ministry of Health, these 51 incidents do not translate directly into 51 individual injuries, as each incident may involve varied numbers of affected individuals—some incidents report over 100 people being affected by foodborne illness.</p>

    <h2>Understanding Food Poisoning Incidents</h2>

    <p>Haddad explains that the Ministry of Health focuses on classifying these incidents rather than merely counting injuries. The ministry's monitoring of the situation includes a thorough review of infected cases and laboratory tests to understand the underlying causes better.</p>

    <h2>Contributing Factors to Food Poisoning</h2>

    <p>The increase in food poisoning cases can be attributed to several persistent issues affecting food safety:</p>

    <ul>
        <li><strong>Food Safety Regulations:</strong> Established nine years ago, the food safety law is marred by unfulfilled regulatory guidance, mainly due to persisting disputes over implementation quotas.</li>
        <li><strong>Economic Crisis:</strong> The ongoing economic turmoil has led to rampant lowering of quality standards, raising concerns about the safety of imported foods and products. Merchants seeking profit have turned to cheaper alternatives, risking food safety.</li>
        <li><strong>Refrigeration Issues:</strong> Electricity shortages have resulted in widespread food spoilage, affecting refrigeration capabilities in restaurants and homes.</li>
        <li><strong>Seasonal Factors:</strong> The summer months are notorious for higher incidences of food poisoning, a trend exacerbated by extreme temperatures that can lead to food deterioration.</li>
    </ul>

    <h2>Insights from Consumer Protection Associations</h2>

    <p>Dr. Zuhair Brou, head of the Consumer Protection Association, provides valuable insights into the challenges facing food safety. He emphasizes the role of economic motivations leading to poor practices, such as the repurposing of spoiled foods for sale. For example, old bread is often re-kneaded and baked, presenting a health risk to consumers.</p>

    <h2>The Role of the Food Safety Law</h2>

    <h3>Article 22: A Key Component</h3>

    <p>The Food Safety Law, enacted in November 2015, aimed to establish a National Food Safety Authority responsible for ensuring food safety. However, as of now, the appointments have not been made due to political dispute and division of powers among various ministries.</p>

    <h4>Obstacles to Effective Implementation</h4>

    <p>Sources indicate that political power dynamics complicate the enforcement of the food safety law. Each ministry's reluctance to relinquish control and share responsibilities can adversely affect the food safety landscape. These tensions highlight the need for a unified and comprehensive approach to food safety regulation.</p>

    <h2>Practical Tips for Consumers</h2>

    <p>With the increase in food safety concerns, it is essential for consumers to take proactive measures. Here are some practical tips:</p>

    <ul>
        <li><strong>Check Food Sources:</strong> Always purchase food from reliable suppliers and markets. Verify the freshness and quality before buying.</li>
        <li><strong>Avoid Costly Deals:</strong> If products are significantly cheaper than usual, be wary as they might compromise safety.</li>
        <li><strong>Proper Food Storage:</strong> Ensure you have reliable refrigeration to avoid spoilage. Adhere to expiration dates and storage guidelines.</li>
        <li><strong>Stay Informed:</strong> Keep up-to-date with news related to food recalls and safety advisories from health officials.</li>
    </ul>

    <h2>Case Studies in Food Safety</h2>

    <h3>Recent Poisoning Incidents</h3>

    <p>Highlighting specific case studies can demonstrate the real-world impact of lapses in food safety. For example, a restaurant's improper food handling led to a reported incident involving 12 people who fell ill after consuming contaminated products. Investigations revealed a lack of adherence to food storage regulations and sanitation procedures.</p>

    <h3>Successful Interventions</h3>

    <p>Conversely, there have been instances where quick action by health authorities successfully mitigated food safety threats. Rapid response teams deployed to a local market identified contaminated batches of food and swiftly moved to quarantine affected products, preventing wider outbreaks.</p>

    <h2>The Weather Factor</h2>

    <p>This summer is anticipated to be particularly harsh, with temperature increases of 3-4 degrees disrupting the stability of food products. Greater vigilance is needed during hotter months to maintain proper food safety practices.</p>

    <h2>Conclusion: The Urgency of Now</h2>

    <p>The growing incidents of food poisoning highlight an urgent need to address gaps in food safety laws and consumer practices to ensure public health. While the Ministry of Health works to monitor and respond to foodborne illnesses, individual vigilance plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating the risks associated with food consumption.</p>

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