The Ministry of Public Health issued the following statement: "Following the statement released two days ago regarding the investigation being conducted by the Ministry of Public Health concerning poisoning incidents in the Al-Jahiliyah area of Chouf involving thirty-four people, of whom eighteen needed hospitalization due to the severity of their health conditions, the diagnosis of infection by Trichinella parasites has been confirmed through tissue examination at the American University of Beirut laboratory. This infection results from consuming pork contaminated with these parasites.
Upon examining meat samples from butcher shops in the area at the Agricultural Research Authority laboratory affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture, the results showed the presence of Trichinella in the ground meat from Al-Ayass butcher shop, which is designated for selling beef and lamb. Consequently, Minister Al-Abyad issued a decision to close Al-Ayass butcher shop with a red seal and referred the file to the Public Prosecution, while investigations continue regarding how the ground meat was contaminated with Trichinella and the reasons behind the shop selling pork as if it were beef or lamb without disclosure and without the consumers' knowledge.
Other butcher shops in the area were found to be unlicensed and lacking the required health standards, and they have been given a specific timeframe to meet the safety conditions stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health and complete licensing procedures, failing which they would face closure and prosecution."
