Latest news with #B.Laban
Egypt Independent
25-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
B.Laban announces imminent reopening of all branches and factories in Egypt
The 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, 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 ( 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.
Egypt Independent
21-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
No immediate reopening for B.Laban: Government sets conditions for return
TV presenter Amr Adib has revealed the details of a meeting between the owners of chain and state officials to discuss the closure crisis in Egypt. Adib said during his program Al-Hekaya on MBC Egypt channel that the meeting took place on Sunday in the New Administrative Capital, noting that it lasted for several hours. He explained that the Egyptian authorities presented the owners of chain with a number of demands, both health-related and administrative, such as health requirements in factories, shops, and for workers, in addition to fulfilling licensing requirements. He pointed out that committees from the relevant authorities will begin inspecting a number of chain's branches and factories within the next 48 hours to monitor the implementation of these demands. Adib continued: 'For those who are saying that permission has been given to reopen branches, no, that has not happened. We are in the stage of fulfilling the specific demands of the responsible authorities, whether it's health or local municipalities.' He added: ' shops will not return to operation until the conditions are met, whether it takes a day, a week, or a month. The conditions must be met, and then they will resume work. There is an understanding, and the company has affirmed its commitment to fulfilling all the demands.'
Egypt Independent
20-04-2025
- Health
- Egypt Independent
Following presidential orders, Egypt's Health Ministry investigates B.Laban chain
The top health and food safety officials in Egypt held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the controversy surrounding the popular chain, following presidential orders to ensure public safety. Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, met with the head of the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Tarek al-Houby, to discuss mechanisms for monitoring food products and the establishments involved in their distribution. This comes to implement Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's orders to ensure the quality and safety of food products circulating in the Egyptian market. The Ministry of Health explained in a statement that Abdel-Ghaffar emphasized the need to swiftly implement President Sisi's directive to address issues of concern to the Egyptian public and take the necessary corrective measures to protect citizen health. The minister affirmed the continuation of inspection campaigns conducted by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the NFSA, on food processing facilities across all governorates to ensure total compliance with health requirements for food products in circulation. The meeting also discussed all procedures and conditions requiring review and correction by violators. The minister ordered the resumption of operations of all branches of food chains that had been closed upon verifying their compliance with the health specifications and requirements announced by NFSA and other requirements, in cooperation with other relevant authorities. Investigating Following complaints from citizens, the statement added that 232 inspections were conducted on the chain's branches and factories in various locations across the country. The statement added that food of unknown origin and expired quantities were found. It also revealed that there were 122 unlicensed establishments. Up to 437 samples were collected from the chain, a percentage of which were found to be non-compliant with Egyptian standard specifications and binding technical regulations. It added that 697 kilograms of various foodstuffs and 70 liters of various beverages and juices were destroyed due to altered physical properties. Approximately 387 cases were filed for reasons related to lack of health requirements or failure of food handlers to carry health certificates. The statement continued that this resulted in legal measures to temporarily suspend these shops until all health and administrative violations are addressed, through the NFSA and the relevant administrative authorities in various governorates. The statement indicated that on April 6, the head of the NFSA held a meeting with one of the owners of and a team of technicians working there. The meeting presented the corrective measures they needed to take, both in their factories and at their points of sale. However, no response was forthcoming regarding taking the necessary steps to address these concerns. In light of the president's directives, the chain's owners were contacted to hold a coordination meeting to clarify the measures required to resume operations and improve the situation as soon as possible.
Argaam
19-04-2025
- Business
- Argaam
B.Laban to hold urgent talks to ensure full safety compliance
Major food service chains in Egypt Group announced that it will hold an urgent meeting with the relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and operational standards across the Egyptian market. This came after the company received swift response from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding recent concerns. reaffirmed its full cooperation with all regulatory bodies and its readiness to address any remarks or shortcomings transparently. The company previously stated that its 110 branches, as well as facilities, in Egypt were shutdown.
Gulf News
19-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Egypt shuts down over 100 B.Laban branches
Dubai: Egypt's National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) has ordered the temporary closure of several high-profile food chains, including the most popular dessert franchise after inspections uncovered serious health violations and the presence of pathogenic bacteria in a variety of food products. In a statement released Friday, the NFSA said that food samples collected from more than 47 outlets across the country tested positive for bacteria commonly linked to food poisoning. The authority also reported the use of banned food coloring agents, spoiled or mishandled ingredients, and widespread non-compliance with food safety regulations. 'These bacteria primarily affect the digestive system and are considered a major cause of foodborne illness,' the statement read. Some samples also showed signs of spoilage due to improper storage, prompting the confiscation of unsafe products and immediate suspension of operations at affected locations. Among the most prominent closures was a dessert chain with over 100 branches across Egypt and operations in several Arab countries. The company announced the suspension of all its outlets nationwide, citing what it called an 'unprecedented crisis' that has brought its operations to a standstill and impacted more than 25,000 employees. While did not directly reference the NFSA's findings, it acknowledged in a statement that 'any entity operating at this scale may make mistakes,' and expressed a willingness to 'review, correct, and develop' its practices. The company positioned its closure as a blow to national entrepreneurship, stating, 'We are a model that proves Egypt is capable of exporting successful investment brands.' The closures follow a similar incident in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, where authorities temporarily shut down several branches following consumer complaints of food poisoning. Other establishments now under investigation include Karam El Sham, a popular Syrian food chain, as well as dessert shops Kunafa and Basbousa, burger joint Wahmi, and the traditional feteer restaurant Am Shaltet. These outlets have also been temporarily closed pending further review. The NFSA said inspections will continue 'without leniency,' and encouraged consumers to report concerns through the Consumer Protection Hotline or the official government portal. The authority emphasized its commitment to safeguarding public health and holding violators accountable.
