Minister of Health Wael Abou faour said on Tuesday that the Health Ministry agreed with the Ministry of Economy to follow up on the case of the contaminated spices. In a joint press conference with Minister of Economy Alain Hakim, Minister Abou Faour noted that the ministry took the decision due to the presence of carcinogenic substances in spices that are being used in many Lebanese dishes. In turn, Minister Hakim stressed that the health and economy ministries are keen on preserving the health of Lebanese citizens, adding that the relationship between the two ministries "is vital with integrated powers." On March 10, Abou Faour announced that large quantities of spices were found to contain alarming levels carcinogenic substances. Abou Faour launched a campaign in October against restaurants, supermarkets and suppliers accused of breaching health standards. His inspections have forced the shutdown of butchers, the seizure of expired food items and even the arrests of businessmen.