Ministers of Industry and Agriculture Discuss Regulation of the Food Preparations Sector

Minister of Industry Joe Issa El-Khoury and Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani held a joint meeting at the Ministry of Industry dedicated to discussing and regulating the food preparations sector in Lebanon, particularly milk-like products and their derivatives, within the framework of government efforts aimed at protecting national production, enhancing food safety, safeguarding the health of the Lebanese consumer, and protecting industries committed to the required product specifications.

Participating in the meeting were the Director General of the Ministry of Industry Adel Al-Shabab, Engineer Lena Assi, Engineer Marwan Jawhar, Engineer Charles Abboud, Dr. Yahya Khattar, and Engineer Avi Khoury.

The attendees discussed the reality of the milk and dairy sector and the challenges it faces in light of the spread of some alternative and non-compliant food preparations, and the resulting risks to consumer safety and the sustainability of local production. They also stressed the need to enhance field monitoring and regulate the market according to clear health and technical standards, to ensure the protection of the Lebanese product and raise the level of quality.

After deliberation and discussion, the following was agreed upon:

1. Continuing the joint campaign to monitor dairy and cheese factories in various Lebanese regions, which has so far resulted in the closure of about twenty factories and two warehouses due to violations related to health and technical conditions and non-compliance with approved specifications.

2. Absolutely prohibiting the production of food preparations resembling labneh and yogurt, as a first phase, until the regulatory frameworks are completed and the specifications for these products are approved, ensuring clarity of classification and protecting the consumer from any food or commercial deception.

3. Confirming commitment to the provisions of Ministry of Agriculture Decision No. 728/1 dated December 4, 2025, and working to amend Ministry of Industry Decision No. 82/1 issued in 2021, in line with the new regulatory directions aimed at developing and protecting the sector.

4. Sending a letter to the Minister of Economy and Trade, with the aim of banning the import of partially hydrogenated oils, and regulating the import of fully hydrogenated oils according to approved health standards and conditions, given their negative impacts on public health and the quality of food industries.

5. Launching a national awareness campaign targeting consumers, to emphasize the importance of consuming natural milk products, and raising awareness about the differences between natural products and alternative food preparations.

6. Preparing a comprehensive market study on the reality of the milk and its products sector in Lebanon, addressing local production, consumption, imports, and the economic and health challenges facing this vital sector.

7. Completing the preparation of the Lebanese specification for food preparations in coordination with the Lebanese Standards Institution - LIBNOR, to ensure consumer protection and enhance the competitiveness of national production.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers affirmed "the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the relevant ministries and departments, to follow up on the implementation of the agreed recommendations and measures, to enhance food safety, protect the Lebanese consumer, and support the sustainability of the milk and dairy sector in Lebanon."