Photos: Spoiled Garlic Prepared in Refugee Tents Exposes New Corruption Case
2/3/2026 2:12:00 PM
As part of intensified monitoring of food safety and efforts to protect public health, the Bekaa Investigation Unit, in the presence of a representative from the Bekaa Public Health Department, seized more than 20 tons of spoiled garlic unfit for human consumption from a warehouse that failed to meet basic food safety standards.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the seized garlic had been soaked in water and peeled inside Syrian refugee tents under extremely poor sanitary conditions, before being distributed to several restaurants in the Bekaa and Mount Lebanon. Authorities warned that the operation posed a direct threat to public health and reflected serious negligence of food safety regulations.
Acting on instructions from Bekaa Public Prosecutor Judge Marcel Haddad, the warehouse was sealed with red wax after it was confirmed to be operating without legal permits and in clear violation of health regulations. Judicial procedures against those involved are ongoing.
The seizure comes as part of continued efforts by the Bekaa Public Health Department, headed by Engineer Joyce Haddad, which has recently intensified field inspections of warehouses, food factories, and restaurants in coordination with security and judicial authorities.
Informed health sources said the department follows a preventive approach, aimed not only at addressing violations after they occur but also at uncovering illegal supply chains and their root causes—particularly amid difficult economic conditions that have driven some traders to endanger public health for illicit profit.
The department stressed that food safety is a non-negotiable obligation, confirming that inspection campaigns will continue without leniency or exception, regardless of the scale of the violation or those involved, underscoring that public health remains a red line.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the seized garlic had been soaked in water and peeled inside Syrian refugee tents under extremely poor sanitary conditions, before being distributed to several restaurants in the Bekaa and Mount Lebanon. Authorities warned that the operation posed a direct threat to public health and reflected serious negligence of food safety regulations.
Acting on instructions from Bekaa Public Prosecutor Judge Marcel Haddad, the warehouse was sealed with red wax after it was confirmed to be operating without legal permits and in clear violation of health regulations. Judicial procedures against those involved are ongoing.
The seizure comes as part of continued efforts by the Bekaa Public Health Department, headed by Engineer Joyce Haddad, which has recently intensified field inspections of warehouses, food factories, and restaurants in coordination with security and judicial authorities.
Informed health sources said the department follows a preventive approach, aimed not only at addressing violations after they occur but also at uncovering illegal supply chains and their root causes—particularly amid difficult economic conditions that have driven some traders to endanger public health for illicit profit.
The department stressed that food safety is a non-negotiable obligation, confirming that inspection campaigns will continue without leniency or exception, regardless of the scale of the violation or those involved, underscoring that public health remains a red line.