B.Laban announces imminent reopening of all branches and factories in Egypt

Egypt Independent

25-04-2025

The B.Laban chain of stores has announced the reopening of all its branches and factories under the direct supervision of the relevant authorities.
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.