The head of the Progressive Socialist Party MP Walid Jumblatt reiterated Monday his complete support for Health Minister Wael Abou Faour and “his exceptional efforts deployed within the open war against food corruption.
“Lebanese citizens must be protected from the business owners and influential people who do not care for the safety of the citizens, but instead seek to increase their financial profits, and accumulate wealth without consideration for society,” he stated.
In his weekly statement to al-Anbaa website, Jumblatt stressed there was no bias when it comes to food contamination in terms of distinguishing citizens based on region, religion or sect, pointing out that all Lebanese factions must unite and engage in this fight, without resorting to traditional political lineups.
In this regard, Jumblatt said that the cabinet has the duty to support this campaign and prosecute the violators in the case of food safety, stressing that the citizens’ health is a red line that must not be compromised.
Health Minister Wael Abou Faour has been launching a campaign against corruption detected in restaurants and supermarkets in regards to food safety standards, and has made public thus far two lists of violating restaurants and supermarkets underscoring the types of unfit foods being sold.
The minister, who has received the support of many political forces, vowed to push ahead with his campaign, and stressed the need to protect the Lebanese citizens against any type of contamination.
Following the food corruption scandal, the Health Ministry has touched on a new file, ordering the closure of 95 beauty centers that operate without official supervision.