5 days ago
Bahrain breaks ground, Names firm over food scandal
Bahrain's Public Prosecution has set a new legal precedent by publicly naming a company accused of endangering public health, marking a shift in how authorities respond to consumer safety threats. Al Daaysi Markets was identified as the source of expired food products that had allegedly been relabelled with fake expiry dates and distributed for sale.
The move was based not on punishing the suspects, but on safeguarding the public, prosecution said. Assistant Public Prosecutor Wael Rashid Buallay explained that naming the company - not the individuals involved - was essential to minimise harm and prevent unsuspecting consumers from using potentially unsafe products.
Article 246 Invoked
The decision drew on Article 246 of the Penal Code, which allows for the publication of information when deemed necessary for the public interest. Buallay noted that the goods had already entered the market under Al Daaysi's name and through its warehouse, and some may still be in people's homes.
'This is not about reputational damage. It's about alerting the public so no more harm is done,' he said. The step is being seen by legal observers as a significant shift in the application of public interest laws in Bahrain, particularly in cases affecting health and safety.
Ongoing Removal Efforts
Officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce are continuing to locate and remove remaining products tied to the company. Their report revealed that some of the seized items had expired as long as three years ago and included meat and other foodstuffs.
Buallay also clarified that unlike previous cases - where violations were caught before reaching consumers - this case warranted a different approach because the food had already been sold to the public.
With investigations ongoing, the Public Prosecution's decision to name Al Daaysi Markets is being seen as a decisive move toward greater transparency and accountability in safeguarding public health in Bahrain.
