B.Laban announces imminent reopening of all branches and factories in Egypt
In a statement released on Thursday evening, B.Laban confirmed the resumption of operations at all its locations, citing a 'generous decision' to reopen under the direct supervision of relevant authorities, attributed to presidential directives and a recent emergency meeting.
These authorities have already begun conducting field visits to provide feedback and corrective guidance as part of fulfilling all safety requirements, paving the way for the resumption of full operations.
Addressing citizens, the statement read, 'We bring you good news that we are on our way back to resuming work in all branches, God willing, stronger and closer than ever before.'
They continued, 'We extend our utmost thanks and appreciation to all the relevant authorities who are working around the clock, even during official holidays, in an honorable example of cooperation and support, to expedite the return to work under the umbrella of commitment and discipline.'
During the recent period, the company's issue has dominated Egyptian conversations after local authorities in various areas closed dozens of its branches due to safety violations. The company appealed for help, stating that it had completely ceased operations and closed all 110 of its branches across the country, leaving 25,000 of its workers unemployed.
The company appealed to the President of the Republic in a statement and through its director's remarks to local media. Subsequently, it announced that it had received a response from Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to hold an urgent meeting with the relevant authorities to address its crisis.
Following widespread debate, the Egyptian government clarified that it had launched extensive campaigns against the company's branches, which operate under several well-known brands (B.Laban, Karam El Sham, Kunafa & Basbousa, Wahmy, Am Shaltat), after receiving complaints related to the presence of spoiled food products that resulted in cases of food poisoning.
The National Food Safety Authority stated in a report that it had analyzed samples taken from raw materials and products in the factories and branches. The results showed the presence of pathogenic bacteria in many food products prepared for circulation, explaining that 'these bacteria are considered a major cause of food poisoning and primarily affect the digestive system.'
It added that 'some products contained internationally banned color additives, while others were stored improperly, which could contribute to spoilage and changes in their properties and quality.'
The relevant authorities held a meeting with the company's owners last Sunday to determine the regulations for its return to operation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Independent
3 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Egypt issues another warning to Ethiopia over GERD
Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam warned Ethiopia against its continued unilateral action in managing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), as such actions pose a direct threat to Egypt's water security. Sewilam's remarks came during a phone interview with Ahmed Moussa's TV show 'Ala Massoulity' (On My Responsibility) on Saturday. Egypt is closely monitoring developments regarding the GERD, and has emphasized the need for Ethiopia to adhere to international law and recognize Egypt's water rights. Water relations with the southern Nile Basin countries, such as Tanzania, Congo, and South Sudan are good, while they remain tense with Ethiopia. The minister explained that Egypt faces water scarcity, with an annual per capita share of approximately 500 cubic meters, compared to the international water poverty rate (1,000 cubic meters). Sewilam denied the existence of a water crisis in Egypt, assuring that the country is capable of managing its water challenges thanks to massive investments worth LE500 billion in water projects, including water treatment and recycling. Egypt has increased the volume of recycled water from 21 billion cubic meters two years ago to an expected 26 billion in the coming months, to address water scarcity and support agriculture in the desert. The Egyptian minister emphasized that the High Dam plays a crucial role in protecting Egypt from flooding, noting that this year's flooding was above average – a positive indicator. Sewilam revealed the ministry's use of mathematical models and modern technology to accurately monitor rainfall flows from Nile Basin countries, with a focus on improving the efficiency of water distribution for agriculture and households. Egypt has repeatedly affirmed its rejection of Ethiopia's unilateral actions, especially after the dam's filling began in 2020 without a tripartite agreement. In December 2023, Egypt suspended negotiations with Ethiopia after several previous rounds of negotiations failed due to what Sewilam described as Ethiopia's 'evasiveness and procrastination.' Egypt is demanding a binding agreement that guarantees that its water share will not be harmed, noting that the dam is 'illegal' due to its failure to comply with international law. It has also expressed concern about the dam's strength, warning of the risk of its collapse for Sudan and Egypt.
Egypt Independent
6 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
FM urges unifying efforts of Egyptian communities worldwide under single entity
CAIRO, Aug 3 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty called for unifying the efforts of Egyptian communities worldwide under a single, coordinated entity that reflects the aspirations of Egyptians abroad. The top diplomat was speaking during the opening session of the sixth edition of the Egyptians Abroad Conference on Sunday held under the slogan 'From Everywhere… Egypt is the Destination'. The event was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, a number of ministers, members of the parliament and other senior officials. Abdelatty expressed deep appreciation for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's sponsorship of the conference and his consistent efforts to support Egyptians abroad, describing them as the first defense line for national interests. He also praised the sweeping political, economic, and social reforms Egypt has undertaken over the past decade. (MORE)
Egypt Independent
6 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Will Egypt ban TikTok? MP discussions underway
The head of the House of Representatives' Communications Committee, MP Ahmed Badawy, said on Saturday that talks are underway with TikTok officials to improve the content published on the platform. In an interview with Extra News TV channel, Badawy said, 'Over the past period, we held several meetings attended by representatives of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) and the regional director of TikTok in Egypt and North Africa. Important topics were raised, most notably the immoral content published on the platform, which does not comply with standards and regulations and should not be exposed to society.' 'We asked the platform representatives why this content continues to exist and why it is not being removed or blocked. The regional director responded that they need time to improve the situation,' he explained. Badawy continued that 'We explained that we have an important law, the Anti-Cybercrime Law, and we said that if the content is not improved and the offenders are not blocked, the provisions of the law will be applied, which allows NTRA to take legal action, up to and including blocking the platform if necessary, as has happened in several other countries.' 'Unfortunately, the platform allows this content to remain because it generates significant financial gains, and we strongly reject this. We emphasized that if actual steps are not taken to improve the content, the law will be implemented, and NTRA has the right to block the platform if it violates the law,' he explained. Badawy continued: 'I appreciate the efforts of Interior Ministry of and the General Administration of Information Technology, which successfully enforced the law. Some violating users were arrested. Later, we noticed that 75 percent of users who had posted inappropriate content on the platform had completely disappeared. This is an official figure, and this demonstrates the importance of deterrence.' He explained: 'NTRA immediately notifies platform administrators when any violation is detected, and the offending content is blocked. This has happened many times in the past. If the platform fails to comply, the law gives the authority the right to take legal action.' Badawy said that 'as an Egyptian state, both at the legislative and executive levels, we encourage investment in the information technology industry and issue laws that encourage this. However, when published content exceeds controls, rules, and standards and poses a real threat, a serious stance must be taken.' He concluded that 'Communications Committee is taking a firm stance on this issue, and discussions are ongoing with platform officials. However, we emphasized that official action must be taken through the NTRA until the committee's recommendations are implemented.'
